Funny how life plays out . . . how the simplest things sometimes have the most profound impact.
Just ask Jim Temme, the longtime director of radiation science technology education who is retiring after 43 years of service.
The flag
His story begins near the small town of Petersburg, Neb. The oldest of six children, Temme grew up on a farm. He attended a country school — “one classroom, one teacher, all grades, all subjects, 33 students.”
Retirement tea
A retirement tea for Jim Temme will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 2-4 p.m. in the Linder Reading Room on the second floor of the Sorrell Center. The event is open to the campus.
In retirement, Temme said, “I’m looking forward to opportunities that I might not even know are out there.”
Among his plans are to do volunteer work at the VA Medical Center, work as a standardized patient at UNMC and Creighton University, and spend more time with his wife, Kathy, and their combined family, which includes four children and six grandchildren.
His routine included raising the American flag each day and learning the proper way to fold it. He appreciated the flag and what it stood for. He enjoyed saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
When he graduated from Petersburg High School, there was no question – he was drafted into the U.S. Army and soon found himself as a sergeant on the battlefields of Vietnam.
He called it “a year of hell.”
“I was just 18. I saw it all,” he said. “I was lucky. I learned quickly how to stay alive and not get hurt. It made me appreciate what I have today.”
His Vietnam tour ended when his platoon’s armored personnel carrier ran over a land mine. Temme was wounded in his left elbow.
The billboard
Back in the states, Temme was stationed in Fort Riley, Kan., and was taking some free classes through the Army.
He got a call that his brother, Jeff, had been in a serious car accident and was in the hospital in Columbus, Neb. The Army granted him leave to visit his brother.
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Jim Temme in Vietnam in 1968. |
The brochure
Two years later, Temme had earned an associate degree in science and wanted to continue his education so he could pursue a health care career. He sent a letter to UNMC seeking information on health career opportunities.
He received one response — a brochure on the radiologic technology program at UNMC.
What the heck — he checked it out and soon found himself a student at UNMC. In 1974, he earned his bachelor’s degree and landed a position as education coordinator for the UNMC radiography program.
“I loved the instant gratification that comes with imaging,” he said. “You see the product that you created. You can manipulate the image to make it better. You can interact with patients and help them. How sweet is that?”
The woo factor
Dealing with students and patients each day was a perfect fit for Temme.
“Jim’s No. 1 talent on his StrengthFinders assessment is winning others over (WOO),” said Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., dean of the College of Allied Health Professions. “Jim could talk to anyone. He knows everybody . . . every radiographer in the state. He’s become a walking history museum on his profession.
“It’s said the best managers are the ones who work themselves out of a job. That’s Jim. He’s mentored some great people, got them ready to take over, and got all of the programs accredited. He’s seen the whole transition of the department and the college.”
Dr. Meyer credits Temme and his woo ability with procuring a transformational gift to the college. Through his close friendship with Richard Kelly, former director of nuclear medicine for the hospital, Temme was instrumental in securing multiple gifts from the charitable trust left by Kelly’s wealthy uncle, Charles O’Malley. The gifts helped create six endowed chairs in the college, and an endowed scholarship fund, totaling $3.65 million in outright and matching funds.
Temme has enjoyed every minute of his 46-year UNMC journey.
“When I get up in the morning, I look forward to coming here,” he said. “The people I’ve worked with were fantastic, and their professionalism was incredible. It’s been challenging and an honor to work with so many wonderful students. I’ve always felt that I was doing something worthwhile.”
But, at age 68, he said, “It’s time.”
OK, but before you go, Jim, there’s one last thing that many of us would like to say: “Thank you for your service.”
Jim has led an interesting life, selflessly serving his country, community, profession and the College of Allied Health Professions. In retirement, I'm sure that he will find new ways to contribute to society. I am thankful for his service, and for having had the opportunity to work with him.
You leave UNMC with a profound legacy. All the best in your retirement years, Jim. Enjoy them to the fullest, and don't hold back.
Thank you for your military service as well as your service at UNMC. Enjoy retirement!
Jim, thanks for your service to the country, to UNMC, to the faculty and students, to the community, and to our committee! Sounds like service is in your future, as well. I'm sure we'll see you around, but enjoy your retirement!
Enjoy every moment of retirement Jim!
Thanks for your service to the country and UNMC. Most importantly thanks for taking a chance on me. I had a wonderful career and met great people all because you accepted me into the program. You have been a good mentor and friend.
Always enjoyed my encounters with Jim Temme in Radiology. Down to earth and very knowledgeable, his presence on campus will be missed. Thank you for your service to our country and UNMC.
I will miss seeing your friendly face! Enjoy your new adventures.
Enjoy your new chapter in life.
It has been great working with you over the years. Enjoy your retirement.
Yes, thank you for your service! I found out so much about you in your bio! I am sure there are more adventures ahead for you. Happy retirement wishes!
Congratulations Enjoy retirement. Well deserved!!
Thank you so much for all your dedication and hard work over the years. It was a wonderful experience for me and helped me on the road to where I landed. Thank You Much Jim Temme..
Susan Crouch Sanchez
Jim is a positive role-model. When I was a young, brand new educator, I paid attention to what he had to say. Enjoy the next phase of your life and from one Army dude to another, thank you for your service.
Congrats, now on to a new chapter, yea for you!
One more success story – Petersburg, NE – Hometown proud!
Congratulations on a wonderful career. A very wise and kind man and hope UNMC can continue to benefit from it.
Chandra Are
What an awesome tribute to you Jim!
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service, Jim!
Jim is an absolute gem. He is such a strong, kind and down to earth person. I cannot say enough good things about Jim. Happy retirement and enjoy your time with all those who you love and who deeply love you!
Congratulations Cousin! Enjoy your retirement. You have served your country, community and profession well.
Congrats Jim!! Enjoy!
Congrats & thanks for your service! Hope your not retiring from chili cook off chair!
Congrats Jim, you make Petersburg proud, enjoy your retirement!!
Congratulations, Jim, you’ve earned it. Best of luck during the next phase of your life!
Congratulations on your awesome career, and here's to an awesome retirement, with your awesome family
Congratulations Jim!! Jump on into retirement….the water is fine!
Congratulations Jim!! Enjoy your retirement from a job well done! ,
Janet & Larry Bartee
Congratulations, Jim!! Enjoy your retirement because you sure deserve it.
Congratulations and best of luck in your retirement.