Jim Hulsey honored as Character Champ

Character Council of Edmond board members collaborated to surprise President Jim Hulsey by recognizing him as a Champion of Character for Enthusiasm at their March 27th meeting. His wife, Sheri, was present for the special occasion.

Jim has a favorite quote for most of the character traits. They are usually from well-known poets, philosophers, or the Bible. One of Jim’s familiar sayings that gets to the heart of his enthusiasm comes from Larry the Cable Guy, “Let’s ‘git-r-done.’” Jim likes to get things done, yesterday. His good-natured forward movement rubs off on others.

Jim’s faith in God motivates him to recognize and strengthen potential in others. His mindset allows Character Council board members to work together and use their unique ideas, gifts, and talents to reinforce good character in our community.

Jim served in the military during the Vietnam War. When he was still a private, he received notification that he was to be awarded a Bronze Star. Although he was excited, he knew there were others who needed the recognition and encouragement. He asked that the honor be given to another deserving soldier. They complied.

Jim worked for 27 years as a photojournalist at the NBC affiliate in OKC. After retiring, he went back to school and earned a Master’s degree from OSU (2001) in mass communications. A close friend of his worked for the City of Edmond and invited Jim to take part in an initiative to promote good character practices. Several Edmond departments were participating in character programs, like Character First! So, a “city character council” was created to help with the city’s involvement.

Jim said, he was excited about “the possible impact of sharing character concepts, especially within our school system. Many former teachers, served as board members.”

In 2003, the character council was redesigned as a 501(c)3 and became known as “The Character Council of Edmond.” Jim, a volunteer, became a co-chairman and then President.

Character Council Vice President, Diane Krakowski said in the nomination, “Since 2003, Jim has been instrumental in motivating our board to continue to make a positive difference in the Edmond community.

Jim cited one of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s best-known quotes, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Jim said, enthusiasm plays a role in his life “every day, every season.”

Jim’s family lived in Edmond since 1936 when his paternal grandparents relocated to Edmond on New Year’s Day. Following the end of WWII, Jim’s parents came to Edmond where his father attended Central State College to study pre-med prior to going to medical school. Jim was an infant at the time. Jim lived in the Edmond area off and on. He and his wife Sheri moved from Oklahoma City in 1994 and remained since.

On behalf of the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond, Jim Hulsey was honored as a Champion of Character for exemplifying the character trait of enthusiasm, defined by Character First as “expressing interest and excitement in what I do.”

The Character Council is a grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a "Community of Character."

The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end, the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced.

To nominate a citizen as a “Champion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, visit www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392.