Instilling Change: James (Jimmy) Gant

James (Jimmy) Gant grew up in a loving family in Marshall, Missouri. His parents provided a good life for him and his siblings, instilling in their children good values, respect, and the love of family. But by the age of 17, Jimmy became sidetracked by the allure of street life. He misconceived this life as glitzy and glamourous, convinced youth criminal activity was the way to go. In 1975 at the age of 18, Jimmy was incarcerated. He spent a total of 45 years in prison.

While in prison, Jimmy attended various programs and classes like Intensive Treatment Community (ITC), Impact of Crimes on Victims Class (ICVC), anger management, and a drug treatment program. These programs and classes helped show Jimmy how victims might be affected by his actions and opened his eyes to want better for his future. Outside of taking classes, Jimmy kept to himself, focusing on education and correcting the distorted thought processes that led him down this path. The “why’s” and “how’s” of his past life were very important to him.

Jimmy was finally released from prison in 2023. He learned about Second Chance from his parole officer. With so many decades behind bars, it was obvious he would need support to become stable and create a new life. Jimmy remembers he felt a good vibe from the Second Chance staff immediately. The Second Chance staff helped Jimmy develop new priorities. His top priorities now included taking things one day at a time, staying focused, and setting goals. Being able to connect and rebuild his relationship with his family was at the top of his list.

He knew he had to be patient and trust the process. Jimmy remembers one of the biggest obstacles in his return home was dealing with the negative way people treated each other in the community. He observed, “There is too much madness in society.” Jimmy hopes to inspire others to do better by being kind and courteous to others. Second Chance helped Jimmy get a job. He noted, “They really go the extra mile.” He also conquered his fear of technology by taking classes to learn smart phone and computer operations. Second Chance staff assisted him with a budgeting plan and putting his life back together as a whole. Most importantly, Jimmy learned the importance of being still and thinking before acting.

Jimmy is most proud of the person he is today as compared to his younger version. He takes things slowly, day by day, one step at a time. Jimmy’s advice for someone in a similar situation is to “stay humble and come to Second Chance.”

“With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings”. – Ezra Taft Benson