Better know as “Chef Jim”, Jim has a long history at Camp Lebanon, first as a camper in the 1960’s and then as summer staff in 1972-73. Jim came to work at camp as full time food service manager in 2004, bringing with him over 35 years of food service experience. Jim and his wife, Sylvia, live in Grey Eagle and they have three children: Anna, Sam, and Ruthie. Email Jim at jflaa@camplebanon.org
Learn a little more about Jim by reading his answers to some get-to-know-you questions:
What’s your favorite color?
Periwinkle Blue
If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go?
Alaska
What is your favorite food? Least favorite?
Favorite: sugar in anything – Least favorite: foods without sugar.
What do you do for fun when you’re not a camp?
Watercolor and acrylic painting.
If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?
I wouldn’t allow anyone to ask this question.
What was the last really great book you read?
7 Men – by Eric Mataxas
Who was the most influential person in your life?
My Father
What is one piece of advice you would give others about life?
Wear appropriate clothing at all times, and change your socks and underwear daily.
What is the best part of working at Camp?
Meeting and serving people, and my work area overlooks a beautiful lake.
In your own words, what is your job description?
I plan, procure, prepare and present all the food served at Camp Lebanon, and I get to do this with the greatest staff in the world.
Describe an embarrassing moment.
There are so many. On the first day of High School Football practice I was issued a pair of football pants without a draw string. During a crossbody blocking drill, after preforming a rather impressive crossbody block I stood up and my pants went down around my ankles.
What is a Bible verse that has meant a lot to you?
Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
If you could add one thing (building/event/feature/anything/etc…) to camp and cost wasn’t a factor, what would it be?
A three par golf course or a driving range.
What is one of your favorite jokes?
“A man walks into a bar….he was rushed to emergency to check for a concussion.”
What is one special moment you have experienced at camp?
Teaching painting workshops at both quilt and womens retreats, very special to teach people something new.
