When you speak with a Trinity College of Florida graduate like James “Jim” Damron, you don’t just hear memories—you feel them. They come wrapped in scripture, marked by divine appointments, and echo the unmistakable joy of a life changed by the Word.
A proud 1968 graduate, Jim joins the ranks of alumni like Ken Zesinger and Silvia Wilson, early trailblazers who set the tone for what it means to be a servant-leader grounded in the Bible. “Trinity taught me the Bible,” he says simply, quoting none other than Billy Graham. “How to study the Word, what it was about—it gave me a foundation I’ve stood on ever since.”
That foundation has held strong through a life of ministry, love, and lasting impact. One of the most treasured chapters of his time at Trinity began with a five-dollar meal. That may not sound like much today, but back then, it was a sacrifice for a college student. It was worth it—because it was his first date with the woman who would become his wife. The setting? The K-Pop Tree Inn, a now-legendary Polynesian restaurant that offered more than just good food. “It was a special night,” he recalls. “We weren’t allowed to be alone together back then, and date nights were only allowed once a month. So when it happened, it mattered.”
She loved Trinity as much as he did. Together, they shared in the spiritual rhythms of campus life— prayer meetings, and the powerful conferences held by visiting men of God who would stay right at the hotel on the Dunedin campus.
One of his most enduring friendships came through another Trinity connection: his best friend was the husband of Normandy Woodward—wife of beloved Trinity professor Tom Woodward. The bond was deep, built on shared values and the common experience of spiritual formation under the tutelage of Trinity’s faculty.
That impact didn’t stop at graduation. For years, Jim served in the Mining Safety and Health Administration, living out his faith in a secular environment where integrity and spiritual clarity were desperately needed. “Trinity prepared me to give an answer for my faith. And in this world today—with so much craziness and lack of common sense—you need that. You need a place like Trinity.”
Even now, his life continues to be a witness. Though his beloved wife, Sue, now lives in a nursing home due to Alzheimer’s, his devotion to her and to the Lord remains unwavering. “Pray for her,” he asks gently. “And pray that the Lord will continue to use me, and keep me in good health.”
His advice to today’s students?
“Don’t take this time for granted. If you’re fortunate enough to study under these professors, soak it in. Trinity is true to the Word, and that’s a rare treasure.”
This is not just a story about the past—it’s a testimony for the present, and an inspiration for the future.
Thank you, Jim, for reminding us of the beauty of a life built on truth.
To help build a legacy like Jim has you can support future students through Trinity College of Florida by helping us Forge a Future here.
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