Jim Houck now calls Boardman home.

By Jim Houck

It wasn’t long after I moved back to the Mahoning Valley with my wife and young children last summer that I read an obituary in the Vindicator that referenced a man who “died doing what he loved to do best.”

Reading further I expected to learn about a man who passed away on the golf course, a fishing trip, playing with his grandchildren; you know, something I would associate with being an enjoyable pastime. No, not this guy.

This gentleman was a tow truck operator, of all things, and he was on the job late at night clearing glass from a wreck on a busy intersection when he was struck and killed by a passing car. At just 56, he died doing what he loved to do best.

The story resonated with me on a couple levels. One, I lost my father unexpectedly when he was about the same age. I can relate to the phone call the family must have received alerting them to the news. And to trying to come to terms with someone so important to you who’s there one day and literally gone the next.

I also think this man embodies the persona of the Mahoning Valley. We’re people who embrace hard work, appreciate our jobs, and take pride in what we do.

Whether we’re blue collar or white – whether we’re working for ourselves or for “the man” – we’re not going to be out-worked, nor will we take our work – or our families – for granted.

There are lots of great places to live in this country, and in other parts of northeast Ohio, which is where I’ve been the last 10 years. But there’s only one “home.” This place is home to me.

I’m glad to be here. I’m fortunate to be around family (even my in-laws, who live on the same street).

And I’m thankful for the opportunity to advance my career here, doing what I like to do best.