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Volunteer Spotlight: James H. Windsor, III
For nearly 13 years, Jim Windsor has been a diligent volunteer with the State Historical Society of Iowa Archives and Records Division. And in those 13 years, he’s contributed more than 3,000 hours of volunteer time.
Windsor began volunteering with SHSI after working17 years in the accounting department at Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa, a company founded by his great-grandfather and Des Moines insurance pioneer F.M. Hubbell, and nearly 20 years with the Metro Transit Authority. His first duties with SHSI involved going through legislative bills from 1844 through the 1930s, refoldering them, re-filing them, putting them in chronological order and making sure they were properly stored.
“It became interesting to me because I had not worked in that kind of situation, and it was a challenge,” Windsor said. “Sure it was dirty work, but it didn’t bother me. At my age, it’s good to have physical exercise. Working with Gordon (Hendrickson), Beth (Brannen) and Bruce (Krueger), those were the folks I felt comfortable with and they appreciated my service. I felt useful.”
In the fall of 2005, Windsor made a significant financial donation to the Archives that provided a new software system for records management services. The software greatly enhances the ability of the State Archives and Records Program to provide services to state agencies as they maintain public records.
“I feel that, in life, when you’re given things, in light of where you came from, it’s nice to give things back,” he said. “That’s my philosophy of life. Life has been good to me.”
Windsor was excited about the prospect of bringing the state archival process into the 21st century, which is one of the reasons he supported the project.
“Jim’s dedication and willingness to help are invaluable to this program,” said Beth Brannen, manager of the State Records Center. “We’re grateful to have him involved and passionate about the work we do here.”
Today, Windsor tries to put in a full day’s work one day per week. He says he greatly enjoys the relationships he’s built while volunteering.
“Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s hauling boxes or dusting shelves, it’s OK with me.”
