Dr. James Womack – Assistant Minister of Health & Wellness
Dr. Womack is a physician. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Dillard University in New Orleans (1976) and his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville (1982). He worked in his specialty of anesthesiology and pain management, in the Detroit area, for 13 years, retiring from full-time practice in 1995. He now devotes his time to developing family business interests, the Church, and serving the community, but remains medically active as a sanctioned physician by the United States Amateur Boxing Association.
Aware that the incidence of young, Detroit-area, African American males in crises was reaching epidemic proportions, Dr. Womack became a mentor. Taking on this modern urban problem led to his selection as a member of Detroit’s Violence Prevention Task Force in 1997. The Task Force was responsible for making recommendations about reducing violence in the City.
He is president of the Coalition Inc. (Circle Of Hope – 1992), an organization founded by Dr. Womack and his wife, Dr. Sophie Womack, chief of neonatology at Sinai/Grace Hospital. It is an outlet for their deep concerns about the incidence of domestic violence. The non-profit organization has raised more than a million dollars to help combat morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) among Detroit’s children. It funds small community groups; area shelters for battered mothers and children; home nursing care for over 1,800 uninsurable babies; summer camp experiences for children; a Wish Fund for organizations that help youngsters; schools in need and the purchase of bibles for school-based bible studies. In his quest to improve on the quality of life of children and the community at-large, he serves as Vice President of the Learning Disabilities Association of South Eastern Michigan and as Interim-Chair and Trainer for Gospel Against AIDS.
Following a call to the ministry, in 1998, Dr. Womack completed his Masters of Divinity studies in a cooperative program between Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and is an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ. An active member of Plymouth United Church Of Christ, he has served on the Diaconate Board and as a Trustee, and has shared his broadcast experience in the development of a media ministry program for the Church. He is currently the Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness at PUCC and Associate Pastor at St. John St. Luke.
He is also the former chairperson of the Monthly Men’s Prayer Breakfast and facilitator/spiritual advisor of the young adult group called the Ambassadors for Christ who serve as examples for young people by showing them that enjoying life and being a Christian is possible.
Dr. Womack has served as a special correspondent, segment producer and guest host on ‘Transitions,’ a weekly television program formerly seen on UPN 50 and local cable outlets. He has also been the host of ‘The Positive Side of Reality’ heard on WQBH radio as he pursued opportunities to inform the community about issues and options regarding interpersonal violence and personal health challenges. He is currently the host and co-producer of “The Dr. Jimmy Womack Show” aired Sunday evenings on WGPR 107.5 FM. .
He is the recipient of several professional and community service awards including Resident of the Year, the Kiwanis Club Volunteer of the Year, and the Detroit City Clerk’s Office-Man of Distinction, and serves on several boards including Plymouth Educational Center and the Learning Disabilities Association of Southeast Michigan. He is an active parent of a DPS student and has graciously served on the DPS parents advisory committee for learning disabilities. He also has a child attending Howard University in Washington DC. When he finds the time in his busy schedule, he enjoys just relaxing with a basket of chicken wings and some good jazz.
