James gift will benefit Western Baptist Hospital Foundation

Ronnie and Paula Walker James stand in front of the Paula Walker James Guest House with Larry Barton, Western Baptist president and CEO, and Don Walker, chairman of the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation board. The James family donated the use of the house to the foundation.

Ronnie and Paula Walker James have donated the use of her childhood home to the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation to serve as a guest house. 

Larry Barton, Western Baptist president and CEO, expressed his gratitude to the James family for their generous donation during an open house on Wednesday. “The house is very convenient to the hospital,” Barton said. “We will make really good use of it for years to come.”

Don Walker, foundation board chairman, said the donation is an example of the family’s commitment to the community. “We want to thank Ronnie and Paula James for their generosity to Western Baptist Hospital and the community at large,” he said. “God’s healing ministry will be enhanced by this gift.”

The couple recently renovated the house, called the Paula Walker James Guest House, at 2801 Washington St.

Paula James said the house was built in the 1920s by her great-uncle and aunt, Rufus and Golda Waldrop, and she later lived in the house with her parents, the late Paul and Kathryn Walker. Paul Walker and his father founded Walker Boat Yard, which is now owned by James Marine, Inc.

Ronnie James, James Marine president and CEO, said renovations include a new roof, windows, electricity and plumbing. “It sat here for many years, but we decided to rebuild it,” James said. “We are looking forward to the house serving many good years for the hospital.”

The foundation affords families and individuals the opportunity to make financial contributions to the hospital to support needed services, facilities and other areas of growth. Phone (270) 575-2871 for more information.