 A Servant's Legacy
James Eisenhour loved nature, devoting countless hours to caring for the trees on his properties in the Old Town neighborhood in Georgetown and taking care of small animals wherever he found them. He also had a servant’s heart for people in need, so it is appropriate that his legacy will continue through the nurturing of children in crisis at Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock. He has planted trees that will grow eternally. Another part of his legacy is the many friends he made in his lifetime, such as his neighbor, Johnny D. Young, a long-time friend of the Children’s Home. When Mr. Eisenhour passed away in June of 2008 at the age of 88, his will included a generous bequest to TBCH in memory of Mr. Young. James and Johnny “were neighbors and very good friends,” recalled Jan Pelosi, Mr. Eisenhour’s cousin. “Their backyards abutted one another. After Johnny’s wife died and Johnny’s health began to decline, Jimmy became his caregiver, taking him to doctor’s appointments, making sure medications were properly taken, and even going to check on Johnny in the middle of the night when necessary.” It is easy to imagine that sometime during conversations over the back fence or at Mr. Young’s bedside, he shared with Mr. Eisenhour his love for the children who were being helped at Texas Baptist Children’s Home. Mr. Young died in 1998, but Mr. Eisenhour never forgot his friend’s enthusiasm for the ministry to children in need. In his will, he made bequests to his church, to family members and to charities, including the Children’s Home. The bequest to TBCH did not become known until after Mr. Eisenhour’s passing, when his will was filed for probate. “Our only regret is that we did not have the opportunity to thank Mr. Eisenhour personally during his lifetime for his generous bequest,” said Don Cramer, VP/COO of the Children At Heart Foundation. “Years ago we created the Legacy League just for that purpose, so we could thank those who have included our ministries in their estate plans and are making an eternal difference in young lives.” A native of Leander, Mr. Eisenhour traveled the world as a member of the United States Navy, serving as a medic in World War II and Korea. When he retired in 1961, he settled in Georgetown, near his Central Texas roots. He spent 10 years working at the Wesleyan Retirement Home in Georgetown, then retired again to serve his community and friends. “It seemed as if his calling in life was to be of service to others,” said Ms. Pelosi. “This man just had a special calling when it came to caring for others.” That makes his gift to Texas Baptist Children’s Home even more appropriate. “His generous investment in the lives of children and families in crisis will live on,” said Mr. Cramer. “We are confident he would be pleased to know of the positive and eternal difference his legacy gift will make in the lives of children. “Jimmy Eisenhour made a difference in his time on this earth,” Mr. Cramer added. “I know that throughout eternity there will be many former TBCH residents in Heaven who will personally thank Jimmy for making a difference in their lives.
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