Jim Ferguson

“I grew up in Charlevoix County, which was indeed a blessing,” says Jim Ferguson. Although he lives in El Paso, Texas now, Jim looks back on his time in northern Michigan with great fondness.  “Not only was the area very beautiful, but also the people were good, kind, and decent,” he explains.

Jim established two scholarship funds here at the Community Foundation. In 2013, he included those funds, and more, in his estate plan and joined the Community Foundation’s Legacy Society. “Giving is a special privilege (and duty) of those who are fortunate enough,” Jim notes. His legacy gift will increase the size of the Marge Ferguson Mayville Memorial Scholarship Fund and Sheila Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund so that they can award larger scholarships to more Charlevoix County students. The Jim Ferguson Memorial Schoalarship Fund will also be established.  “Sharing with others gives me a profound sense of joy and comfort.”


Jim’s gift will also provide for the Community Fund, the most flexible fund at the Community Foundation, the purpose of which is simply to address important needs in Charlevoix County. “The Charlevoix County Community Foundation is very well aware of the needs of the community and is respectful of donors’ wishes,” says Jim. “I have both faith and trust in the Community Foundation.”