Celebrate Jim Carnahan's Legacy with Memorials

My name is Juley Murphy-Tiernan. I have started this fundraising campaign to honor a man who has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students in the Des Moines metro area. Jim Carnahan dedicated his life to serving at-risk youth,

students who needed something more than the traditional schools were willing to give. From the moment they walked in the door the students were loved, fiercely and unconditionally loved. Jim believed in every kid and pushed them to achieve. Days, evenings, weekends and summers revolved around providing all students with support and hope. It’s important to note that Jim was paralyzed in an auto accident shortly after his high school graduation. That did not deter him from pursuing his goal of graduating from the University of Iowa. Was it easy, certainly not. Jim’s innate toughness and his uncanny ability to truly see the good in situations carried him through. He began as a Math teacher at Franklin Jr High School. Soon after, he found his spot on this planet at South Alternative High School which was later named Scavo High School. Jim had completed his Masters Degree at Drake and was now a counselor. Just as he never gave up on himself, he never gave up on our kids. Not ever. I worked with Jim for many years. His belief in the goodness of people radiated throughout that building. He truly became the inspiration for me to become a counselor and help the kids in a different way. Whatever it took was our unspoken motto. Picking students and their babies up to take to school to looking for our kids that just stopped showing up. Empathy and LOVE is how we did it. Every staff member showed students that they were there for them and that they would never quit caring and helping them. The students knew that our love and concern was genuine. Jim was the catalyst for all of that, each and every single day. Never ending, all encompassing, every single day. The world isn’t quite as bright since his passing. Even in his retirement it was Jim who would gather a few of us together to make a Scavo reunion happen. It was Jim who reached out to former students to check in on them to make sure life was okay. It was Jim who I would get phone calls from checking in with me. It was Jim who could still light up a room just by being in it. That twinkle in his eyes and boisterous laugh would indicate that something fun and oftentimes memorable was about to happen. Nothing was more enjoyable then discussing politics with him. I just can’t let his light go out. Therefore I am asking for donations to create memorials to honor him. The memorials will range from park benches to an orb in the memorial garden at Waterworks Park. This is a man that should never be forgotten. Those of us who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him now understand that we must carry his legacy forward. Those graduation bells will continue to ring for you, my friend. Your contribution to this world is immeasurable. Thank you Jim from all of us!!

i hope you find your way to contribute. It would be very much appreciated! Love to all, always❤️