Jim Barton | Board Member | Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Jim is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and has devoted his life to leading and serving others. He holds an M.A. in Computer Resources and Information Management, a B.A. in Psychology and certificates in cybersecurity and computer forensics.

Jim joined Lourdes Volunteers board of directors in 2019. He has served as a leader for a Special Needs Pilgrimage, for one of our Franciscan University Pilgrimages, and for an Advance Team travel group. He is also a stagiare with the Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes in St. Joseph service. He uses his skills to serve as the Chief Brancardier during Special Needs Pilgrimages, and assists in the development of safety and security planning.

Jim and his wife Pam help to bring the message of Lourdes to parishes and schools across the Midwest as Virtual Pilgrimage Experience guides. He is a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and serves his parish in Random Lake, Wisconsin.

Most satisfying aspect of serving with Lourdes Volunteers:

Meeting and working with all the amazing people from across the globe.

My role on pilgrimage:

I enjoy leading groups to France, and serving as Chief Brancardier. I hope to one day serve as a Chef d’Equipe in St. Joseph Service.

First joined Lourdes Volunteers:

All members of my family served in Lourdes before I did, because I was always away from home or deployed. I started serving and joined Lourdes Volunteers in 2016, after my retirement from the military.

Favorite moment of pilgrimage / memory of Lourdes:

In the grotto at night, when it’s so peaceful. My favorite memory was a side trip from Lourdes to see St. Bernadette in Nevers. A great trip, with three amazing men, on Father’s day.

Most people might not know:

I have traveled to 41 different countries. I am a share holder/‘owner” of the Green Bay Packers. Parlo Italiano.

Community involvement:

Volunteer at the Milwaukee USO and assisting Milwaukee Area Technical College veteran students with resume preparation. I serve as a sacristan, as a member of the Prayer and Worship committee, and as a council member in our local parish, Our Lady of the Lakes.

Sources of inspiration:

My family, all of our pilgrims and volunteers, and numerous military members I served with.

Book recommendations:

The Father’s Tale and Theophilos, both by Michael D. O’Brien. The Irish Country novels by Patrick Taylor.

Favorite quote:

“The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.” – Vince Lombardi