Friday, February 24, 2023, was Jim Palm’s last day at the Springettsbury Township Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). Jim worked at the plant for 24 years, all as a treatment plant operator. Jim had previously done this type of work, being state licensed as a plant operator since 1990. Jim was married to his late wife Bonnie for 47 years; they had two sons and a daughter, and they're also two grandsons that will be vying for more of Jim’s attention now that he has retired. Jim is looking forward to spending more time with the grandchildren and becoming a bigger part of their lives. Jim is also a farmer; he raises hay and beef cattle. Retirement will give him more time to devote to his hobby of restoring and showing antique farm tractors. Jim’s oldest tractor is a 1938 John Deere that he has restored to its original condition. These machines are not just pretty show things, this past year Jim used the 1938 Deere to drag logs out of the woods that he was cutting for firewood!

Looking back at his time as a Teamster Jim remarked that it was a good experience at work; he made a lot of great friends while there with whom he will remain in contact with. He remarked his Business Agent, Bill Olmeda, “was awesome, he’s always been great”, making sure that the Township paid for the continuing education training that Jim and the other operators had to complete to keep their state plant operator license.

From everyone at Local 776, enjoy your retirement, Jim!

Local 776 BA Bill Olmeda, (L) congratulates Jim and presents him with his retirement watch!