A graduate of Immokalee High School is living out his dream. James “Jimmy”’ Garvin is a versatile and innovative business leader and golf course specialist with extensive expertise in all aspects of the golf industry.  Jimmy’s passion for golf was born while a student at the prestigious Howard University in Washington, DC under the guidance of his mentor, the late Chuck Hinton.  Although Mr. Hinton was a retired professional baseball player and coach of the Howard University Bison Baseball program, he loved the game of golf.  This love transferred to Jimmy and resulted in a career that has spanned more than a quarter of a century.  Ambition drove Jimmy from the maintenance crew to the President’s chair at the historic Langston Golf Course in Washington, DC.  A visionary, Jimmy transformed Langston and realized a dream.   Partnering with local schools, Jimmy established a one of a kind education center housed in the Pro Shop of the Langston golf course.  Along with his wife, Lana, family members and a team of committed friends, Jimmy was able to facilitate tremendous positive changes in the lives of children and youth through junior golf programs and the highly successful Interpretive Educational Center.  Never tiring, Jimmy continues his efforts to reach back in many new and innovative ways. Jimmy, the highly accomplished and well known manager of the Langston Golf Course, operated in various capacities, including President and General Manager from 1991 to 2012. His many accomplishments include the May 2006 induction into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, the October 2012 induction into the United States Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, Proclamations from the Mayor of the District of Columbia in 2006 and the Mayor of the City of Naples, Florida in 2008. The Minister of Tourism on Grand Bahama Island honored his international work with an annual “Jimmy Garvin Day” from 2004-10. Jimmy was ever so proud when he was selected to deliver the 2010 commencement address at The Heritage Institute in Ft. Myers, Florida. Blessed and faithful, along with the notable accolades mentioned, Jimmy also counts the establishment of the Jimmy Garvin Scholarship Program at his alma mater, Howard University, in 2006 as one of the greatest honors of his life. To keep paying it forward, The Jimmy Garvin Legacy Foundation was officially established in 2009. Jimmy ensures its mission stays true to its core principles of guiding the development of educational skills, the development of student character and the development of the necessary skills to excel in life and on the golf course.  Jimmy’s 5 P’s To Success -- Planning, Patience, Passion, Persistence and Possibilities are tools shared with all juniors in the programs. Through the Foundation and his personal actions, with his partnering organizations, that his priority is to prepare students for the challenges of golf, but more importantly…life itself.  Jimmy lives by and shares his motto with everyone “Golf is The Carrot, BUT Education is The Key.” Jimmy, along with his many other talents, recently added author to his curricula vitae/resume with the recent publication of his moving and inspirational depiction of his life titled Legacy of a Common Man; The Walk Was Uphill.  Jimmy consistently inspires, encourages and makes a difference with his actions and attitudes, positively impacting others in all aspects of life. Jimmy is currently an owner, along with HWV Enterprises, LLC, of the premier Marlton Golf Course in Upper Marlboro, MD.  He also serves as the General Manager and continues his legacy foundations activities along with other outreach opportunities. Come to see our hometown personality in our Harvest Festival Parade..See you there!