Today’s good news story comes from the Epoch Times. This story was sent to me by Noelle Granger. Thanks, Noelle. I have edited it slightly for length.
A picture designed by The Epoch Times using imagery from Nancy Feighan and Molly Shannon/Shutterstock.
‘I Don’t Ask for Anything’: Man, 81, Clears Snow From Neighborhood Sidewalks for Over 20 Years
An 81-year-old who has been clearing snowy sidewalks in his neighborhood for over 20 years refuses to accept cash donations, insisting he loves the snow and helping his neighbors.
Jimmie Sinatra grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, and bought a house with his wife in the area in 1995. That same year, he invested in his first snowblower. Soon, he upgraded to a Craftsman snowblower that he can walk behind and has been maintaining the prized apparatus ever since.
“I just like snow,” Mr. Sinatra told The Epoch Times. “I love playing in the snow, walking, and taking my dog for a walk in the snow, and I decided to do a couple of neighbors’ sidewalks. Then, when my wife and I talked about getting a bigger snowblower, I decided to go all the way up the block.”
Mr. Sinatra clears the streets when the snow reaches 5 or 6 inches deep. Initially, only his immediate neighbors knew that he was helping clear snow for the neighborhood, and those living further down the street had no idea about it. However, over the years, a couple of people have noticed his handiwork and have asked if he could clear their driveways, too.
“I don’t ask for money, I don’t ask for anything, I just do it to help the neighbors,” Mr. Sinatra said. “It’s something for me to do. I enjoy it, that’s all. I enjoy helping people.”
Before retiring in July 1998, Mr. Sinatra worked in the material handling department of the Ford Motor Company in Burke, Ohio, for 33 years. His beloved wife encouraged his snowblowing hobby until she passed away four years ago from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“That’s the way she was too, helping our neighbors out,” said Mr. Sinatra, who has become a religious man since his wife fell ill. “I changed my ways and just prayed every day and every night,” he said. “I think I used to take everything for granted, but I don’t anymore because it’s all in God’s hands. … I know my wife’s spirit is in the house with me, and that’s what I live for.”
81-year-old Jimmie Sinatra. (Courtesy of Nancy Feighan)
At the age of 81, Mr. Sinatra has his own health problems. In May 2023, he was diagnosed with stage four chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema in both lungs. He has trouble breathing so he wears a scarf to keep warm and carries an inhaler when he leaves the house to clear snow.
“I have a lot of nice neighbors, and they take care of me and watch out for me, check up on me and make sure I’m okay because I’m by myself now,” said Mr. Sinatra, imploring: “If you see somebody that needs help, no matter what it is, give them a helping hand and don’t be afraid to do it. Just help your neighbors and your fellow man out.”
The good news in this story is one man took it upon himself to help his neighbors for the joy of doing so. Today’s JohnKu talks about joy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Helping by John W. Howell
No one has to ask,
It is just the absolute . . .
Fiction Favorites 
Fantastic inspiration, John. Thanks to you and Noelle!
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Thank you, Grant.
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Cool. Don’t see many people clearing the streets and driveways of others.
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That is for sure.
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Portable oxygen and all! He’s a role model for us all.
Dan Antion often does his neighbors walkways too.
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This guy has me beat by a mile (literally), GP 🙂
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Still. No one expects a neighbor to do anything these days!
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We have a couple who moved in next door a year ago. I went over and introduced myself and that was the last time we talked. They never acknowledge me when we are both outside. I waved once with no reply. I figure they want to be left alone or in witness protection.
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Could be. I can’t imagine someone being so rude on purpose with you.
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It is what it is.
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True, and most don’t.
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Yes indeed.
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Ha ha ha.
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That is true about Dan. Maybe when he is 81 he’ll be expanding his reach as well. 😁
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hahaha, oops I shouldn’t laugh – he just may do it!!
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Yes he may.
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I like this guy, John and I like your poem. I was taking care of the snow for a few neighbors who were older than me or widows who had lost their snowblowing husbands. Two of those husbands had helped me and my wife when I was out of town. Helping a neighbor seems natural to me. I hope the younger people moving into the neighborhood carry that spirit,
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That is a great hope, Dan. I hope the same.
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Mad respect to this guy.
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I agree, Craig. Thanks.
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Beautiful, simply beautiful!! ❤
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Thanks, Annette. 😊
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I agree fully to the previous commentor, and wish you both a wonderful weekend! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. Wishing you a wonderful weekend as well.
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Wow! That is a lot of snow-clearing! Wish I lived in his neighborhood. 😀 He is an inspiration, and he acts in a way that we all should.
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So true, Kymber. Given some of your photos you could use a guy like that. 😁
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lol Oh, yes, for sure.
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😊
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I loved this story and the fact this guy is soldiering on despite his own health problems. He is a true hero! Thanks for posting, John.
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Thanks for the idea, Noelle. 😊
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🙂
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This was in the spam folder, Noelle. Thanks for the reply
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What a great guy! 🤷♂️That snowblower must be excellent, to handle that much. Your Johnku really hits the nail on the head. 😊❤
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Thank you, Tim. Your part of the world could use this guy too.
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What a wonderful testimony to the goodness of people, especially Jimmie. Thank you for sharing this story, John. Your JohnKu is right on! 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. So nice to hit the target. 😁
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That is quite a route he clears–and while on oxygen! My husband has emphysema so I know how hard it is to breathe in cold weather. “the absolute joy of helping out”–beautiful words, John.
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Jimmy is quite a guy for sure. Thanks, Lois.
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Amazing! If we all were a bit more like Mr. Sinatra!
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I agree, Susie. Thanks for the comment.
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Thank you for this good news story, John. I need regular reminders that there are still good people in this world.
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I need them too, Liz. Thanks so much.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Wonderful story, John! Thanks so much for sharing it, and bless this good-hearted man for all he’s done! 😀 ❤
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So well said, Marcia. Thanks. 😊
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What a huge-hearted man he is. I can’t believe he is still doing it, while lugging around oxygen! There are angels amongst us, for sure.
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I know right. He is an angel. Thanks, Dale.
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That he is ! You are most welcome!
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😊
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Wow … what a guy!!! Thanks for this uplifting one, John! Mind if I use him in a future ‘good people’ post?
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You can use him. He’s a terrific example of good people. 😊
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Thanks, John!!!
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😊
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Love this! I’m a big fan of helping where I can as quietly as possible.
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I agree with you, Denise.
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The world could use more Jimmie’s. Thanks for sharing this feel good story, John.
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I agree, Monika. We could use more Jimmys
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What a beautiful story and such a kind man. Thank you for sharing, John!
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My pleasure, Mar. Glad you like the story.
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I imagine all that physical exercise — along with the “feel-good” of helping others without self-reward — has helped this guy live so long. Hope somebody will step up when he “retires”!
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I’m sure it helped. I hope someone wills tep up too. Thanks, Debbie.
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This is a good man….
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I agree.
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The true meaning of the word neighbourly.
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I agree, Pam.
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Lovely story. I do hope someone steps up when Mr. Sinatra no longer can.
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I hope so too, Marie. Thanks. Glad you liked the story.
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What a wonderful man. God is clearing shining through him and setting an example for many. A wonderful Fri-Yay, John!
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Thank you, Mae. I think you got it right. An example for others to copy. 😁
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One person can make a difference. Way to go, Jimmie!
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I agree, Jennie. He s making a difference.
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🙂
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Terrific story. One has to wonder how many others he has inspired. Shoveling snow is also great exercise.
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Let’s hope he inspired a lot and that someone will take over when he is no longer able.
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He’s amazing! This is a great feel great story, John.
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It is, Deborah.Thanks.
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These are the people who keep the universe from giving up. The people who do it just because. Old Blue Eyes would be proud.
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I think he would be proud of a namesake. Thanks, Marc.
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What an inspiration. The world needs more people like this man.
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I agree. Thanks for stopping by. It is obvious you are busy.
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What a heartwarming story, John. It is the way the world is supposed to be.
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I think it is. Thanks, Jan.
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We like helping out our neighbors who are not in great health and/or can’t afford a snow blower. That being said, our “route” isn’t nearly as ambitious as this man’s is. Great story, John.
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When I had a snow blower I couldn’t wait for a snowstorm.
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He is amazing!
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He is. Thank you, Becky.
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Besides that Jimmie is a fabulous person, He makes me feel like getting a snowblower.
OR is it that he makes me feel like being a better person?
Your JohnKu is right on, ThankKu!
🐂🐂🐂🐂
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I think he makes you want to do both. Get a snowblower and be a better person (pretty hard for you to be any better though)
💎X 💎X 💎X 💎X
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Aww, thank you!
💋 💎X 💋
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🤗😘
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That man is truly an earth angel blessed by God. Lucky are those in his snowplow path. 🙂
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So true, Debby. Thanks.
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🙂
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So true, dear John! Might neighbours help Mr. Sinatra to take care better of his health.
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I hope so, Maria. Thank you. 😁
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