Ethan - Manager of Joe’s Addiction

Ethan was born in a tiny missionary hospital in West Kenya, and lived there until he was 7. He wasn’t expected to live, and was seen as a blessing to his loving parents and the people they served. His childhood was spent properly; playing with homemade footballs, monkey poop, and discarded bike tires. The rhythm and flows of Kenyan life ingrained themselves on Ethan permanently. 

Moving to Arkansas, Ethan began to experience the cold loneliness of Western culture. Pressure began to build, and when he was in High School, he went to a Therapist who specialized in Third Culture Kids. Not long after this Ethan, his dad and brother visited Kenya for a few weeks. Coming back from that tear stained trip, Ethan decided to do something different with his life. 

At first the call was raw, he simply wanted to return to Kenya and pick up where he left off. However, after he met John and Jamie Zumwalt his heart for people was forged, and he started to try and see the world through the lens of Jesus’ all-consuming love. It’s led to dozens of adventures, from one end of the globe to the other.

Ethan graduated from a small Bible college in North Dallas, with a degree in Elementary Education. He’s taught and coached grades 3 and 4, in everything from Spelling to Mathematics to Football. Ethan played Football all four years at college and his favorite team is Manchester United. Which is the only team in Manchester as far as he’s concerned. 

Ethan is the manager for Joe’s Addiction. He tries to approach every task with humility and thankfulness for this chance to serve our brothers and sisters on the street. 

Jimmie (Cajun) - Free Store

Jimmie is originally from Louisiana. When we first met him, there were several Jimmys at Joe’s Addiction, so he suggested we call him Cajun. The nickname stuck. Sometimes he identifies as Okie-Cajun, but most of the time he’s not too sure he’s much Okie. Cajun is a kind and loyal friend. When our dearest Judy passed and we moved into our new building, he took up her mantle. He serves the community by sorting and organizing donations and preparing the Free Store for guests. He honors Judy by helping people find what they need, from socks and shoes, to clothes for their children, to pretty decorations for their homes—just as she did. We are sure that Judy is most proud of him.

James - Head Barista

James Zumwalt has grown up in the Joe’s Addiction community. He is good and kind and has loved the many people who have spent time over the years at Joe’s. Now as a teenager, he serves as barista, lawn mower, laundry master, and general overall go-fer. James is funny and hardworking. He loves playing video games, cooking, singing and acting. 

Angela - Head Chef

Angela has served on an outreach team with No Boundaries International. When her team came to Joe’s for a coffee break, we hit it off. She generously offered to volunteer during a time Jamie was gone for a two-week vacation. She is a hard worker and loves serving our people. When we realized we needed someone to take responsibility for meal planning and food donations, Angela came to mind. One of our goals at Joe’s is that our meals feel special. We like to create a welcoming, community dining experience. Good food is one of the ways we can enjoy the pleasures of a life that is often filled with struggles and frankly, pain. Angela is creative with meal plans and knows how to “take whatever we’ve got” and turn it into restaurant quality meals—good food—including those little details that take it to the next level. She also is a joy to have around. She is kind and compassionate and flexible, which are good character qualities for making ways for our community members to contribute by helping her in the kitchen. Angela joined us in 2021 and we are immensely grateful.