The Community Foundation of Randolph County continues to celebrate local heroes who have impacted the community or exceeded expectations to serve others. This effort is the result of a Community Foundation program that helps recognize such people, while also raising money to help others. The program started in 2015, and since that date, this marks the 38th Randolph County Hero nomination. For $1,000 anyone can nominate a person (living or deceased), business, or community organization for the designation of a Randolph County Hero. The money goes into an unrestricted fund, which the Community Foundation uses to do and support great things in Randolph County for years to come. Gifts made to endowed, unrestricted funds, such as the Randolph County Heroes Fund, will be matched $2 dollars for every $1 dollar donated through June 30, 2028, or while matching funds last.
Those designated as Randolph County Heroes will have their names on a plaque at the Foundation office and will be featured in media outlets. The Randolph County Heroes Fund is a great way to honor those currently working to make Randolph County a better place to live or to remember and recognize the impact of someone who has passed. Our newest hero, Jim Nunez, Jr., was nominated by an anonymous donor.
Will you forever have fond memories of a Mardi Gras celebrated in October? Do you end your annual Independence Day celebration joining family and friends to watch the fireworks in Goodrich Park?
If so, you owe a debt of gratitude to Jim Nunez, Jr., our newest Randolph County Hero.
Jim could be considered Randolph County’s volunteer extraordinaire. From his time with the now-defunct Winchester Community Cultural Preservation Committee (WCCPC) to his service as chair of the Randolph County Tourism board, Jim wants everyone – residents and visitors alike – to have a good experience during their time in Randolph County.
“Jim has always been someone Randolph County can count on,” said Randolph County Tourism Director Angie Martin. “He is continually there to support, promote, and advocate for our county, dedicating his time and energy to creating a better future while also preserving the history and traditions that make Randolph County so special.”
In addition to his volunteerism, Jim has served as a member of the Winchester City Council.
In a world where many people operate their lives based on their phones and computers, Winchester Mayor Bob McCoy noted that Jim is resistant to relying solely on technology because such an approach can mean people miss opportunities, which is counterproductive to all of the efforts Nunez has supported in building community.
“Big heart,” said Mayor McCoy of Nunez, who has worked with him in local government for years. “People appreciate community, and Jim understands that. He does what he can to ensure that people do not get left out of opportunities.”
While Nunez has started stepping away from various nonprofit and governmental responsibilities, “he’s always going to be somewhat behind the scenes,” Mayor McCoy stated. “He wants to see the community succeed.”
And that perfectly encapsulates the essence of why Jim Nunez, Jr. is a Randolph County Hero.