LUMBERTON — Lions Club International recently recognized Lumberton resident James “Jim” Kirkland for 50 years of service with the civic organization.

Kirkland was presented with a plaque commemorating the membership milestone during a banquet at the Lumberton Lions Clubhouse.

The retired business owner has worn several hats since joining the group in October 1965. He has served as club secretary, bulletin editor and Tail Twister, among other positions.

In addition to the plaque for his five decades of service, Kirkland was made a William L. Woolard Partner-in-Service Fellow. The distinction is named after the Charlotte native who was president of Lions International from 1989 to 1990.

Kirkland was also given a commemorative chevron by Irwin Siegelwax, the club’s vice district governor who traveled from Calabash to attend the banquet.

With more than 1.37 million members in 210 countries, Lions Clubs International touts itself as “the world’s largest service club organization.” The North Carolina branch of the organization disperses money to humanitarian causes.

The Lumberton Lions Club was founded in 1945 and has 28 members.

Contributed photo | During a banquet celebrating his 50 years of membership in the Lumberton Lions Club, James Kirkland, left, was named a William L. Woolard Partner-in-Service Fellow.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_20151001_200747.jpgContributed photo | During a banquet celebrating his 50 years of membership in the Lumberton Lions Club, James Kirkland, left, was named a William L. Woolard Partner-in-Service Fellow.

Staff report