After 30 years in the Lions Club, McMinnville resident James McBee has earned one of the club’s most distinguished honors.
McBee was inducted into the Tennessee Lions Club Hall of Fame earlier this month in Nashville. The ceremony took place at Tennessee Lions headquarters on Fesslers Lane.
“For me, the Lions Club has always been an opportunity to help people in this community,” said McBee. “We buy a lot of eyeglasses and we buy a lot of hearing aids for people. That’s a way to really make an impact in their lives, by helping them see better and hear better.”
McBee said McMinnville Lions Club purchased 99 pairs of eyeglasses for local residents last year.
Among his Lions Club achievements, McBee served as district governor in 2001-02. He served as council chairman, a position selected from former district governors, in 2002-03. He has been cabinet treasurer for the past six years.
Lions are named to the Hall of Fame based on the number of points they accumulate over their years of service. McBee said helping him is the fact he’s served for 30 years and has perfect attendance.
McBee admits he has missed a few meetings during his 30-year career, but he’s been able to maintain perfect attendance by going to make-up meetings or attending other functions that are counted toward attendance.
To be considered for the Hall of Fame, a Lion has to accumulate 135 points from an itemized list of 22 different categories. Among the categories are: service, awards received at the local level, and promoting the club motto of “We Serve.”
During his induction, McBee received a plaque, a Lions pin, and a certificate. McBee expressed his thanks and called the award “an honor.” He was inducted by Allen Broughton, a past international director.