However, Jim’s interest in helping people began long before he started his 50 year career in funeral service. He was a student at the Choate School when he heard John F. Kennedy speak, and the main focus of his speech was that people who are more privileged have the obligation to give back to the community. not only in money, but time. This made a deep impression upon him, and he never forgot it. Speaking about his family, he remembered that they were all involved in public service.
Jim was the great, great, great grandson of Nathaniel Briggs Borden, the first U. S. congressman from the area, and the third mayor of Fall River. In his time, public buildings were often built with private money donated by families who had done well in business. High schools, libraries, homes for children and the elderly were all built with private money. Many families in Fall River contributed to these projects, including Jim’s family.
Fall River had many textile mills, and the owners took care of their workers, providing housing and other services. The Sagamore Mill even had its own hospital and doctors. According to Jim, this sort of philanthropy was normal, accepted and admired.
There was a Women’s Union in Fall River which took care of those entrusted to them. Jim said, “I see that base here in New England as being very important.” The Adams House and Bayview for retired people were built with private funds, and are part of what is known as the Home For Aged People in Fall River, a not-for-profit life care community. Jim Waring was Chairman of this organization for 37 years.
As Waring commented, “All phases of life were covered.” There was the Fall River Deaconess Home, the Stevens Childrens’ Home, The Childrens’ Home of Fall River, all supported by private money. Those who had the means stepped up to help take care of those who had less and needed help. That was the spirit of the times.
Asked to express his philosophy of volunteering, Jim answered, “It’s essential to the present and future America.” He said that half of America was built with private money. Those who made fortunes, like the Rockefellers, the Fords and the Kennedys made it their business to support America and various charities. He felt that this has not been carried on sufficiently in recent times.
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