4-H: Jim and Bobbi Williams inducted in Hall of Fame

Jim and Bobbi Williams of Adair County were inducted into the 2016 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21. 

Ninety-five inductees were selected for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage and honored at a reception following the ceremony.

Jim served as Chairman of Adair County 4-H Youth Action Committee and spent tireless hours securing items for their silent auction fundraiser. Bobbi served as 4-H club leader, county fair dog project superintendent, and now serves as exhibit building superintendent. 

Bobbi is a fourth generation Adair County 4-H’er who along with her husband, Jim, has devoted endless hours in support of youth and the Adair County 4-H program.

Bobbi began her 4-H career as a member of the Lee Blue Ribbons Club, the 4-H club her great-grandmother organized. She enjoyed home improvement, food and nutrition, and livestock projects. 

Jim was always ready to lend a helping hand. As a member of the Adair County 4-H Youth Action Committee for five years, he was willing to lead the group in any endeavor from helping to set county fair guidelines to moving equipment and helping with the 4-H County Fair Kick-off hosted by Adair County Extension and Adair County 4-H. Jim was sincere when he approached individuals and businesses promoting support for youth activities; always ensuring the public that the youth of our county should be our number one priority.

The Adair County Fair is important to Jim and Bobbi. Bobbi uses her leadership and organizational skills not only as 4-H exhibit building superintendent but also as Open Class superintendent. As a seventeen-year member of the Adair County Fair Board, Jim is quick to consider options that are beneficial to our youth. Jim and Bobbi have provided at least thirteen years of leadership and service to the Nodaway Valley High School Booster Club, always stepping forward with a helping hand.

Pride in volunteering and importance of community service are life-lessons that Jim and Bobbi portray well. The importance of these life-lessons will be encouraged for generations to come. 

The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Counties nominate volunteers, community leaders, and Extension staff members who have exemplified outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H youth program in their county. Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each year. Inductees can be recognized posthumously.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as 4-H celebrated 100 years of a program dedicated to teaching youth life skills.  During those 100 years, it became evident that one of the essential elements of the 4-H program was the caring adults who were committed to the program. 

Inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame represent the many people in Iowa who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program.  They work tirelessly to see that Iowa’s youth have a great learning experience in a safe and fun environment. These adults have modeled volunteerism, community service, integrity, and leadership to Iowa’s youth.  Their legacy is the young people they have mentored who will in turn support the continuation of a 4-H program that builds Iowa’s leaders.

Information about 2016 inductees and previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/en/recognition/iowa_4h_hall_of_fame/ and select “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame”.