Reverend Jim Mundell believes in the importance of service to his community, and he has devoted his life to supporting that belief. “As a pastor, you want to give, and help, and be involved in other people’s lives,” he says. These words are exemplified in his life of service. “It’s been a joy, being able to serve in both the church and community here. It’s just second-nature.”
Jim Mundell was born in Philadelphia in 1936, then moved to Delaware County at the age of 4. He lived there until 1961 when he married his beloved wife, Betty, on December 16. The newlyweds moved to Concord Township, where they abided for 30 years. Betty taught English and Home Ec, and Rev. Mundell graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He worked at Southco Incorporated for 41 years.
At 42, Rev. Mundell decided to go into ministry. He was assigned to Hammerton United Methodist Church in 1979, where he pastored for 20 years. From 1981-89, he spent his vacation time in Washington D.C. to complete a course of study at Wesley Seminary. He retired from pastoring at Hammerton in 1999.
“We were wondering, ‘what are we going to do now?’” said Rev. Mundell, when he and Betty had both retired, so they started exploring their options. Betty’s parents had lived in a retirement community, so Rev. Mundell and Betty decided that would be a good fit for them as well. Betty was especially drawn to the community aspect and care it offered. They had a friend who was a salesperson for Jenner’s Pond, and though there were only five cottages built then, the Mundells signed up in June 1997. “We were there in the very beginning,” said Rev. Mundell.
They moved in December 1999, and they’ve been at Jenner’s Pond for 21 years. “We enjoy it here,” said Rev. Mundell. “It’s just a wonderful place to live.”
Rev. Mundell recently celebrated his 84th birthday, but he has no intentions of slowing down. Throughout his time at Jenner’s Pond, he has had the opportunity to be involved in numerous capacities.
When West Grove United Methodist Church opened a new building the month the Mundells moved to Jenner’s Pond, they became very active with it.
“I started a ministry at Jenner’s Pond to hold a church service once a month,” said Rev. Mundell. “The bishop pulled me out of retirement in 2004 and assigned me as associate pastor for West Grove United Church for the ministry at Jenner’s Pond. We’ve had many baptisms and three weddings.”
In 2015, six people were gathered to be founding members of the foundation board, and Rev. Mundell served as chair since 2019. As part of the foundation board, each community must have their own philanthropy community. Rev. Mundell started the Jenner’s Pond philanthropy committee in 2016. Representatives from various organizations are on that committee and individuals are elected to three-year terms.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the people on the board and getting to know them,” he said. “We coordinate good philanthropy giving at all the communities.”
In addition, Rev. Mundell is the bridge director, a bridge teacher, and the chair and conductor of the Jenner’s Pond choir since 2001. The choir usually puts of two shows a year.
When he’s taking well-deserved breaks, Rev. Mundell and Betty take three-month world cruises every year from January through April, though that was canceled this year due to COVID-19. Rev. Mundell will devote himself to his other favorite way to relax–photography–while looking forward to the next world cruise.
At the end of each trip, they love having Jenner’s Pond to come home to, and to continue to serve. “I give and serve here because I enjoy doing it,” said Rev. Mundell. “It’s an amazing place to live.”
Call us today at 610-869-6800 or submit the form below to see why Jim and other visionaries choose Jenner’s Pond for retirement living.