"The JIMee awards are presented annually to persons who have singularly distinguished themselves during their BCM experience. JIMees are given in a spirit of 'revelry and merriment' and there is no intent to slander or offend the recipients."They laughed at and with each other. Then I learned they were poking fun at my big ears. Sixteen years ago Ali Leding and Mike Wallace were creating a large "Oscar" on the bulletin board. They wouldn't call this golden statue an Emee, Tony or Oscar, but a "JIMee." My big ears were included. I don't think they gave any thought to establishing a tradition. We had annual award's nights for several years before 1993. We even had a couple of them on the "Queen of Clarksville" riverboat. I think Ali and Mike simply wanted to give the event a theme. That year it was "A Night at the JIMees." It worked. Students adopted the name to refer to the awards night the following year and have continued the JIMees for 16 years. This year's JIMee theme is Ancient Rome. Can't imagine what some students will look like in a toga.
We've had some strange awards. One that's been around every year is the "Most Likely to Tick Jim Off" award. Many never have to work hard to earn this award. They begin the year working for it. Some awards have included: the Dennis Rodman Sportsman award, Best Mullet award, I'm going to land me a man/woman if it's the last thing I do award, or alternately called the "scheme dog award." Students have been recognized for being cute, clumsy, red-headed, late to class, never going to class, or always having their head in a book, best team member on a mission trip or being a servant-leader.
Another award that has been offered for several years is "most likely to replace Jim." The JIMee committee has humorously anointed many students for this award. Today I would be excited and pleased to see any one of them leading this ministry. However, and no surprise, none have stayed, but are around the world shining His light in other dark places.
