James Wentz. PHOTO PROVIDED<\/p>\n
Jim Wentz said the most important thing to know about him is likely his attitude, which leans toward a willingness to care for and to help those around him, in typical islander fashion. <\/p>\n
He said he first came to Pine Island in 1998.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI came here because I saw an ad for waterfront property for $35,000,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the time, he\u2019d been living in Newport Beach, California, where he said, joking, a piece of dirt started at a million dollars. After surgery for the minor repair of a hernia, he was told he would not be able to work for 4 or 5 days, which Wentz said left him free to fly out here to visit his brother.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe drove out to Pine Island and basically never left,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After stopping in to Pine Island Realty, he said he was able to get a list of available properties as well as a map of the island. He was told that if he found anything which sparked his interest, the Realtor would take him to go and look at the property. He said he and his wife, Janet, were able to find a place, and they knew it was home the first day they drove around and looked at properties.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was when I\u2019d decided to propose to Janet. I bought a house and asked her if she\u2019d live there with me,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a great amount of time spent traveling between Newport Beach, California and Pine Island, he admitted the expense became too great to continue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe decided to move here full-time,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Something, for which, he said he is well known is getting something done that he says he will complete. Although, here on Pine Island, Wentz said, he is best known for his work with F.I.S.H (Fellow Islanders Sending Help). He is currently the board president of this Pine Island organization, known best for helping Pine Islanders with various issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI took over and we\u2019ve grown considerably in reputation and financial strength since 2019,\u201d Wentz said, adding that the people on Pine Island are extremely generous with both their money and resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Currently, there is a desperate need for volunteers for the F.I.S.H organization, he said. This is likely due to folks\u2019 lack of understanding of what is expected of this position, he explained, saying there is no commitment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you register with us as a volunteer and check off a couple of boxes as far as what you could do \u2014 transportation to doctor\u2019s offices or delivering food for the Pine Island Food Pantry or just helping out in any way that you can,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
F.I.S.H, he said, currently has approximately 55 calls per month. Of those calls, he estimates perhaps 10 of them are likely to be folks who find themselves down on their luck financially, and 10-12 of the calls are likely to be for equipment, such as wheelchairs, which are loaned at no cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWheelchairs and walkers and all kind of durable medical equipment,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The organization, he said, relies strictly on contributions from the community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe get a fair number of donations in memorial for people who were helped by F.I.S.H in the past and when their time comes, they want to help out in their own way, so they remember us in their will,\u201d Wentz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Volunteering for F.I.S.H can be as little time as a couple of hours a month, he said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Pine Island FISH is\u202fa volunteer non-profit group helping residents in Matlacha and Pine Island. They offer free non-emergency rides, medical equipment loans, emergency financial help, and caregiver support. Call their help line at (239) 283-4442 or visit\u202fPine Island FISH\u202ffor assistance or to volunteer.\u00a0<\/p>\n