Jim Ten Hove has worn many uniforms in his lifetime, but two hold special meaning: the olive green of the Canadian Armed Forces and the navy blue of The Salvation Army. For this devoted veteran and Salvationist, both represent the same calling—service to others.

A LIFE TRANSFORMED

Born in the Netherlands just 2½ years after the end of the Second World War, Ten Hove’s story begins with gratitude. “If it wasn’t for the Canadian servicemen and women who liberated Holland in 1945, I might not be here today,” he reflects.

In 1964, at 16, Jim enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, beginning a 25-year military career that took him from engineering to cooking, and eventually across the globe. His service included tours in Cyprus, where he met his beloved wife, Lella, and a five-year stint in Germany with the Royal Canadian Artillery.

But it was during his second tour in Germany in the early 1980s that his life took its most meaningful turn. “When I came to the Lord through The Salvation Army in Germany, I was a changed person—all for the better,” he shares. “It helped my military career and my relationships with my family, especially with my wife and kids.” 

BRIDGING TWO WORLDS

“I was a soldier in military uniform, but now I’m in a different uniform—I’m in a Salvation Army uniform because now I’m serving God,” Ten Hove tells students during school visits.

As chair of the Greater Victoria Poppy Campaign, Ten Hove co-ordinates programs including poster competitions, veteran support services and community education. The campaign assists veterans in need—whether for housing, dental work or specialized equipment.

“My best friend, Dave Hoffman, was diagnosed with PTSD and passed away last year,” Ten Hove shares. “We lost 160 Canadians in Afghanistan, and now we have guys coming back with PTSD. Some are committing suicide. We’ve got to remember so we don’t forget.” 

FAMILY LEGACY

Jim and Lella, married for nearly 55 years, have raised two daughters who are both educators. Their five grandchildren include a high school student, robotics engineer, psychology graduate, biomedical engineering student and legal assistant.

Every Monday night, the family gathers for “Spaghetti Night.” “We always say our grace and we’re thankful for each one of our grandchildren,” Ten Hove explains. “We pray for them all the time.”

Both daughters volunteer in their communities, carrying forward their parents’ example. “I hope my kids follow my example. We have received so much—I hope they realize it’s time to give back.” 

THE HEART OF SERVICE

When asked what keeps drawing him back to volunteer after thousands of hours, Ten Hove’s answer is simple: “I love to serve. I don’t do it for Jim Ten Hove. I do it for other people.”

He recalls a meaningful moment during fundraising: “One lady told me, ‘Don’t talk to me about religion. I just want to make my donation.’ But after several visits, she asked me to tell her more, and I had a chance to witness to her. That’s when I knew—Lord, use me for your glory.”

Speaking to a Salvation Army advisory board years ago, Ten Hove put success in perspective: “I could stand before my Lord and say I raised $30 million, but if I could say I’ve won one soul for the kingdom, he doesn’t care about the $30 million. It’s about the souls for the kingdom.” 

A CONTINUING MISSION

Today, Ten Hove and Lella teach Sunday school at Victoria Citadel, passing on their faith to the next generation. His involvement spans community dinners, Christmas kettles, packing hampers and organizing golf tournaments.

“If everybody did their little part, the world would be a little bit better,” he reflects. “I love The Salvation Army—it’s my home, it’s my church, and that’s where I serve. Whatever I can do to help, you have to give back to the community where you live.”

As he continues his work with the Poppy Campaign and service at Victoria Citadel, Ten Hove embodies the seamless connection between military and community service. His story reminds us that true service doesn’t end with retirement—it finds new expressions of the same generous heart.

“I’m just trying to show my grandchildren and my kids that it’s not all about them,” he concludes. “It’s about others, too.” 

SIPILI MOLIA is a public relations officer in the British Columbia Division.

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