A Tribute to Jim Bill McInteer, June 16, 1921- March 8, 2010
On Monday, March 8, 2010, this world lost a wonderful man. I, along with many,
many others, lost a hero, a mentor, and a friend. Jim Bill McInteer has passed from this life
into. He lived eighty-eight years. I have known of Jim Bill McInteer all my life. But, it was not
until I came to work at Potter Children’s Home in 1993 that I knew him
personally. He served on the board of Potter Children’s Home from 1960 till
2003. I have never known anyone quite like him. Many, I am sure, can say
that.
It is impossible for a person to calculate the number of people this
man influenced. Only the Lord knows. It is hard to even know where to begin in recounting his
accomplishments. In addition to being on the Potter board for so many years, he co-founded 21st
Century Christian publishing company. He preached for more than seventy years in several
states and all over the world. He served on the board of directors for Harding University for many
years. He worked with children in Christian camping for decades. He deserved and was given
countless awards. He was “famous” in the churches of Christ. He knew thousands of people all over this country,
including politicians, leaders from many areas of society, and other dignitaries. But, somehow, in his wonderful
way, he always made me feel important when I was around him. Brother McInteer had that unique ability to make
every individual feel special.
He was the picture of a devoted Christian husband. His wife, Betty, passed away
almost seven years ago. As Alzheimer’s took more and more of a toll on her, many of us
watched how he patiently, tirelessly, and lovingly cared for her the last several years of her
life. She was always with him. He even brought her with him as he traveled to Potter
board meetings, and had someone sit with her during the meeting.
He was more eloquent than any person I have ever personally known. His ability to
paint a picture with words was often stunning and amazing. I sometimes was almost
tempted to ask him to read the dictionary to me, knowing he could and would make it a
fascinating listen. I have a file full of letters from him. Anyone who ever got a letter from
him probably felt like framing it. And, if they didn’t save it, they probably now wish they
had.
Often, while in the Nashville area, I would call to see if I could take him to
lunch. Several times we were able to get together and when it came time to pay,
he insisted and wouldn’t allow me to pay. I might have insisted more with others
but something about him made it hard for me to insist on much of anything. Yet,
though he was not on the Potter board for the past seven years, there was never
a time I asked him to do anything for the home that he declined. That is because
he loved children. For his part in our capital campaign video, he asked for help
by saying, “We’re asking you to do something for young people, for a young
mother, for the re-establishment of a home, for the spiritual helpfulness that can
come that’s beyond the things that are material. You will be grateful to know that your dollar is bringing a response
in a person’s soul that is eternal.”
Brother McInteer was always thinking of those things which were “beyond the things that are material”. The
number of memorial gifts he gave to Potter over the years is more than I can count. I could go on and on. I’ll just
say that I, like so many others, am richer for having known him. There is no one I respected and appreciated more.
All who knew him are saddened by his passing. We are saddened not for him, but for ourselves. We miss him.
Executive Director, Ralph Brewer— March 11, 2010
Jim Bill McInteer June 16, 1921 ~ March 8, 2010