User:JAWhite

I have been researching family history off and on for over 40 years. I was first introduced to it through church and family members. It is something that I enjoy doing and like the challenge of the hunt. I have volunteered in the Tacoma Washington Family History Center off and on during those years. Currently I am serving as chairman of the Book Committee and also a ward family history consultant.

My main focus for research has been in Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio. I am also beginning my research in Germany. Many of my ancestors come from there and I don't read German or speak it very well. I do enjoy teaching at the Family History Center and helping others learn to navigate the software and websites.

My Profile [edit] Early Years Born and raised in Northern Indiana and grew up on a working family farm. Went to the same school for all 12 grades of school with the same 35-38 kids all 12 grades. Attended Indiana University South Bend Campus where I studied elementary education. I was introduced to the church by a friend and joined in 1969. Shortly after joining the church I met and married a returned missionary and we moved to Washington State to make our home. We raised four of our own children and adopted one. Now enjoying thirteen grandchildren to date!

[edit] Church Work I have had the wonderful opportunites of serving in most of the Auxiliary Organizations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I currently am pleased to be able to serve as Ward Family History Consultant and as a Family History Sunday School Teacher in my ward. Volunteering at the Tacoma Family History Center for many years has been a joy and is never a job. Currently I am Chairman of the Book Committee working on reorganizing the book collection. Our ultimate goal to link to Family Search Wiki page as a resource.

[edit] Employment and Volunteer Work My family has started and owned several small businesses over the years. Doing the bookkeeping was my main responsibility, except for our windsock business where I was also the designer. While my children were young I started a local 4-H club and was the leader for several years. I have served on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit organization called Parent Party Patrol and was the President for two years. While I was a member of our local Kiwanis Club, I served as Secretary and Newsletter Editor. I enjoyed volunteering and working at the executive level of the Tacoma Pierce County Boys &amp; Girls Clubs for many years. My main focus was working closely on the administration level in organizing the annual Auction for the Clubs. It was a major event each year which brought in thousands of dollars for the expansion of the clubs in Pierce County.

[edit] Interests My family is my number one priority after my Heavenly Father and the Gospel. I enjoy my grandchildren immensely. Some of my leisure activities are reading, music, and travel. I hope to do some more traveling to visit some of the natural wonders of this glorious world we live in. Sewing is a favorite hobby as well as genealogy research. My greatest enjoyment is spending time with family and friends.