Although he is a retired educator, superintendent, principal and consultant, Jim Gunn has shown no signs of slowing down. Born one of two mirror twins, Jim grew up in Scotsburn Pictou County, where he and his family regularly attended United Church services. Although he initially intended to be an engineer, even earning a bachelor’s degree, his passion to serve young people guided him to become a schoolteacher. Starting in 1969, he taught Chemistry and Math at Port Elgin Memorial High School, NB. In 1972 he became Vice-Principal of Tantramar Regional High School, and in 1977 he became Principal of West Pictou District High School. Despite his busy schedule, he led youth ministry in three United Churches from 1971-1991, while continuing his education, eventually earning his PhD in Educational Administration at the University of Edmonton.

Jim is currently a board member for the Beacon House Interfaith Society which serves those in need through reducing food insecurity and providing shelter. In Spring of 2021, when Beacon House took responsibility of the Sackville Warming Centre, Jim in his own words was “looking for something to do” and volunteered to Chair a core leadership team. Since taking on the project, The Sackville Warming Centre was expanded to become the Beacon House Shelter. Its hours of operation increased from 8 hours a week to 24/7 and now serves 51 individuals. With funding from the Department of Community Services and the support of organizations like the United Way and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the centre is staffed with three housing support workers, about 20 shelter staff, and a mental health counsellor who is on site several times a week.

All of this has happened under Jim's leadership. Using the skills he developed in his previous career in education, he continues to share his time selflessly and professionally, always showing appreciation to staff and volunteers, and going to other churches to garner support for the Shelter. As a "do-it-yourselfer,” he does repairs at the Shelter and uses his truck to pick up such things as gardening materials, tools and supplies, BBQ's, furniture, and various donations. His Leadership Support Team has overseen a complete kitchen renovation as well as the creation of a revised Beacon House website, and a public relations video.

Always asking himself “What would Jesus do?”, Jim continues to look to Christ for guidance on how he can be a Good Samaritan, and how to help set an example for the youth. Jim credits his success to his wife, Betty, saying he would not have been able to maintain his career, his continuing education and his involvement in the United Church, without her always by his side, especially as "Mom" to their 4 children, Jamie, Nicole, Rick, and Natalie.