James Palmer, technician II in Environmental Services, retires on October 12 after 31 years of working the third shift at Akron Children’s.
James Palmer, technician II in Akron Children’s Environmental Services, was just 13 when he started working at his first job. Employed through a youth program, James did yard work for senior citizens. That job helped him develop a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, as well as a passion for maintaining a well-groomed yard.
These positive qualities helped James, who, as a young father, wanted to give his children the things he didn’t have growing up. For James, that meant finding a part-time job that didn’t conflict with his day job or his kids’ activities. The perfect fit for him was at Akron Children’s where he worked the 11pm to 7:30am shift on Fridays and Saturdays, providing orderly, sanitary and attractive surroundings for patients, employees and visitors.
After 31 years of working the third shift, James retires on October 12. He looks forward to having a more normal schedule with weekends off from his day job. In his free time, he plans to spend more time with his wife and their grandchildren, golf and work in his yard.
What brought you to Children’s?
I wanted to supplement my income by adding a part-time job to my schedule. I was at one of my son’s Little League baseball games where I often talked to people in the stands. I met Levonia Lewis, who worked in Akron Children’s James A. Lehman Jr., MD, Craniofacial Center. She suggested I apply at Children’s, which I did, and she recommended me.
James Palmer met his wife, Lisa, at Akron Children’s. The couple recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.
At that time, my day job was in the cleaning industry. Getting a job in Environmental Services was a good fit and allowed me to be involved in raising my family.
Have you always worked in the same department and role?
I’ve always worked the third shift in Environmental Services. It’s so peaceful and quiet then. When I walk into work, it’s like a ghost town. No one is around.
Our team handles the same tasks as the day shift, which includes cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment, patient rooms and other areas to prevent the spread of infections. We clean and wax the floors and the carpets. We also take care of special requests.
What have your biggest contributions been while here?
I’ve been the department’s team leader every weekend and holiday for 31 years. It involves additional responsibilities, such as carrying the main pager for our department so our team can handle service requests. I also help to get the day crew started as part of our daily transition process.
How has Akron Children’s changed since you started here?
The work that Environmental Services does is still essentially the same. We’re charged with cleaning and disinfecting Akron Children’s to keep people safe. What has changed is the expansion of and construction at Children’s. To keep up, I watched what Children’s posted to see what happened during the week. (Watch one of the videos that James watched.)
James Palmer (standing 5th from left) enjoys time with his family at one of their gatherings.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
Being dependable, knowing that others could always count on me and feeling satisfaction after working on a dirty floor and seeing it shine. I also enjoy the conversations and meeting others as I move about the hospital.
What’s your most memorable moment at Akron Children’s?
I met my wife, Lisa, here and we recently celebrated 15 years of marriage. Lisa worked as a nurse in Akron Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and retired in April 2021 after 35 years at Children’s.
With so many little children here, did someone especially touch your heart?
I was always touched by the tiniest patients in the isolettes in NICU, and the care they received.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Relaxing at the ocean and watching the waves in Daytona Beach.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Children’s?
Take advantage of the advancement opportunities here, including the tuition reimbursement.
James Palmer’s retirement will mean he has more time to spend with his grandchildren and great grandchild.
What couldn’t you live without?
My family. Between Lisa and I, we have 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
What’s the last book your read?
“Get Capone” by Jonathan Eig
What’s the last movie you saw?
“Deadpool and Wolverine”
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I’ve been a Cleveland Browns season ticket holder for close to 30 years. I would work my Saturday shift, get off work, drive to Cleveland and rest or nap in my car before meeting friends. Fortunately, I’ve never been someone who needs a lot of sleep.
