Jim Walling: A Man That Keeps on Giving

LOMA LINDA>> Jim Walling, a Beaumont resident, has a long list of accomplishments that has helped make the communities he serves a better place. Walling, past president of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce, was recently recognized for the support he has poured into the area during the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards and Installation of Officers Dinner on Thursday, March 23. “Jim has really given some stability, history, experience and guidance that has really been invaluable for the success of our chamber,” said William Arnold, Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce president. “I personally want to thank Jim for how he has been a part of this.” Arnold will present Walling with a book on the history of Loma Linda that Dick Schaefer, Loma Linda University historian, created. “I’ve enjoyed many years of service with the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce,” Walling said. “I’ve watched the city grow, mature and anticipate the impact of the over $1 billion medical center expansion that will be completed in 2020. It will certainly attract related business and industries to the medical field like a magnet.” Walling got started with the Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer and as time went on, he took on more responsibility. “It was fun to meet the needs of the community,” Walling remarked. “I like people, and life consists of not just how much money you have in the bank but your relationships; how many real friends you have and what you contribute to their well-being. That translates to the community." Walling said the Loma Linda University’s motto, “To make man whole,” is more than just a motto. “The community reflects that. It’s been great to be a part of it,” Walling said. “As physically possible, I intend to remain active. I think the future of this community is greater than anything we have ever seen yet. The future is always positive, not negative and that’s the way this country was developed.” From 1974-1978, Walling represented the Loma Linda University Medical Center as Chief Financial Officer and later spent 12 years as the manager of Inland Community Bank in Loma Linda until the bank was sold in November of 2013. As branch bank manager, Walling represented the bank in multiple organizations within the Inland Empire. He was also a past president of the Crossroads Rotary Club, past director of the chamber of commerce for many years and treasurer leading up to December 2016. Although Walling remained active for numerous years as a marathon runner and president of Loma Linda Lopers Fitness and Running Club for 22 years, he suffered a mild stroke in April 2014 that he said limited his ability to do certain physical things. “I had many enjoyable years spent with the Lopers,” Walling reminisced. In addition to serving Loma Linda, Walling was also the director and treasurer of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the San Bernardino County Museum Board of Directors and on the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. Currently, Walling serves as the chairman of the Loma Linda Trails Development Committee, is a member of the City of Loma Linda Budget Committee and is the director of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.