After a successful 32-year career, Jim Rausch '63 was ready to retire in 1999.
But he wasn't ready to stop making a contribution.
So Rausch, who served as vice president and general manager of several divisions for consumer products company Kimberly-Clark (whose portfolio of brands include Huggies, Kleenex and Cottonelle), set about looking for ways he could continue serving others.
He found it through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity, the international nonprofit organization that builds homes for families in need.
"I didn't want to jump into anything too fast," said Rausch, who resides in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Georgia.
"But I had already spent some time volunteering for Habitat in the past and I really enjoyed doing that kind of work. I've been a handyman-type all along. When I was in the Army Corps of Engineers (in the mid-1960s), my last year was spent as a construction engineer. So it was something that matched my skillsets."
Thus, Rausch began volunteering on a regular basis, and is now often asked to be a crew leader. Over the past 21 years, the soon-to-be 79-year-old has played a key role in the construction of hundreds of new homes for grateful recipients.
"The families are so appreciative," said Rausch, who has remained a loyal supporter of SJU in the years since his graduation. "There's always a dedication ceremony where they receive the keys to the house. It's such a joyful and emotional celebration to be part of."
But Rausch's endeavors have not ended there. He is as longtime member of the Windward Association of Retired Men, a social and service organization made up of members from the 2,200-home subdivision in which he resides.
The group — which honored Rausch with its Founders Award in late 2018 — has been involved in many community projects. Five times a week, members also pick up excess bread and pastries from area bakeries and grocery stores and deliver them to North Fulton Community Charities.
With his wife Lori, he is co-facilitator of a Small Faith Community in their parish, and on the board of the local Friends of the Library.
For the past 13 years, he has spent two weeks annually in Jamaica at the Jacobs Ladder, Mustard Seed Communities' project. The project serves abandoned, physically and mentally challenged young adults in need of care and a place to live.
Rausch is part of a team of volunteers who build homes and support facilities there. They also enjoy spending time with the residents.
"I've found it all very rewarding," he said of his efforts. "It's been a marvelous experience to be part of."
And he remains involved with Habitat, still helping build homes.
"I think I've probably got a few years left," he said. "I've already backed off a little, not climbing on roofs anymore. But Habitat has had people in their 80s who have remained very active in the organization."
So what advice would Rausch dispense to others who are approaching retirement, but still want to stay engaged in the community around them?
"The first thing I would say is to choose things you enjoy doing," he said. "Think of the skills you have and go out and find places where those skills can be used to help others.
"You'll find that as soon as you start saying yes, all kinds of requests and opportunities will start coming your way."
