James Politis, better known as “Jim” has always been an upbeat, tireless person.This past June, Jim was stopped in his tracks when he suddenly went into heart failure. Due to the severity of his condition, his choices were limited and he underwent surgery for a left ventricular assist device, or an LVAD. Soon after his LVAD surgery, Jim experienced complications, and his cardiologists informed him that without a lifesaving heart transplant, his time would quickly run out.

Jim received the telephone call that would save his life, and on Tuesday October 27th, 2015, a true miracle happened! Jim received the gift of life through a lifesaving heart transplant; and while he is still recovering and has a long way to go, each and every day he survives is truly a blessing. Jim has been married to his loving wife, Jan for over 39 years. They have three wonderful and supportive children together, and three grandchildren who are his pride and joy. Seeing his grandchildren grow up is the one thing Jim truly looks forward to in the years to come. Jim worked hard very hard his whole life to support his family, and served on a local County Board of Supervisors for many years. He even raised buffalo and had a restaurant with his wife Jan, and is still currently involved with Virginia Cares and the Re-Entry Council which will help ex-offenders assimilate back into society and the work force. However, Jim’s main passion for the last several years, has been reintroducing industrial hemp for economic farming development. After many years of helping others, Jim desperately needs your help.