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‘Extreme home makeover’

Home makeover winner ‘has definitely paid his dues’

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Teesha McClam/Staff The Terpenning family stands in front of their Beavercreek home during a short press conference after scenes for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" were recorded on Thursday, July 30. James and Shannon Terpenning of Beavercreek along with their family Josselyn, 6; twins Justin and Jacob, 2; and Joshua, 1. James Terpenning's adopted brother, Peter (right), also lives with the family.

Beavercreek home to be demolished Saturday while family on vacation.

By Amanda Liles and Hannah Bealer, Staff Writers Updated 12:44 AM Sunday, August 2, 2009

BEAVERCREEK — The volunteer spots on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” are filled, but the community is invited to observe as a family’s new home rises during the next few days on Carthage Drive.

James and Shannon Terpenning of Beavercreek were surprised by a knock on the door from the ABC show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” on Thursday morning, July 30.

The family lives at 548 Carthage Drive and has four children: Josselyn, 6; twins Justin and Jacob, 2; and Joshua, 1. James’ adopted brother Joseph, who has cerebral palsy, also lives with the family. Both men are in wheelchairs.

After a weeklong vacation, the family will return on Aug. 6 and be introduced to their new home. Their current home will be demolished on Saturday.

The family has been living in a 1,200-square-foot home with a basement that needs greater wheelchair accessibility.

Shannon called the family’s good fortune “life changing. It’s overwhelming. We’re so blessed. It’s a chance in a lifetime.”

Carthage Drive and Casler Avenue will be blocked from traffic at least for the next week by equipment and film crews.

On Thursday, buses blocked streets, and tents took over the yards of neighbors, including Monte and Elizabeth Mingus, who live two houses down from the Terpennings. They gave up their yard for the show after being contacted by the production crew, saying they were just “being good neighbors.”

During the “Braveheart Walk” on Thursday, neighbors and volunteers marched down Carthage Drive to greet the Terpenning family in advance of the construction.

Three of James Terpenning’s friends and former wheelchair basketball team mates, Rick Carpenter, Larry Miller and Shannon Morrisey also participated in the walk and intend to help build the new home. They have known Terpenning since 1995.

“He’s been through a lot,” said Miller. “He has definitely paid his dues.”

A medal-winning paralympian, Terpenning educates students about the disabled and mentors children and Iraq veterans who have recently been disabled.

Terpenning is a civilian information technology specialist for the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he’s worked for nearly 10 years.

“We’re absolutely delighted that one of Wright-Patt’s own has been selected to receive this honor and (will) be highlighted on the show,” said Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, center commander.

Hudson called Terpenning “a selfless guy with a real can-do spirit and a compelling personal story.”

Abandoned at birth by his American soldier father, Terpenning was disabled by polio as a toddler in Vietnam. He was adopted at age 6 by an Ohio family after he was airlifted from Vietnam in 1975.

He competed in the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea, winning gold and bronze medals in swimming. He switched to sitting volleyball for the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

Greg Johnson of Xenia has known Terpenning since they started playing wheelchair basketball together at Wright State University about 10 years ago. The club later branched out and became the Moraine Minute Men.

“He was definitely one of the best players we had,” Johnson said of Terpenning, who now plays for Ohio Rolling Hoopstars.

Johnson said Extreme Makeover chose a deserving family.

Faye Ferguson, who lives across the street from the family, said they can’t wait for the Terpennings to come home to their new house. “We’re so excited,” she said. “We prayed that they would get this.”

Staff Writers Margo Rutledge Kissell and Doug Harris contributed to this report.

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I think a very blessed family got a much deserved rebuild of their house. James has done so much for others, now god has given to him and his family. Good luck terpinning family.
john curtis

john curtis
9:28 AM, 8/8/2009

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I cannot think of a more deserving family. I am a friend of his father and know about James and his dedication to others in this world. And I know of his athletic abilities. His relationships with others and his caring are unmatched. A very deserving family. And by all means his lovely wife Shannon and his brother Joey.

Jerri Stanley
11:11 AM, 8/7/2009

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Great news for James and Shannon! They really do deserve this. James is a great guy & does alot for his community! I was a nursing student @ Wright State when James was also a student. My family sends your family their love & prayers!!

Angela
10:19 PM, 8/5/2009

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Its all about the show. Nothing else matters.

ignorance is bliss
2:36 PM, 8/3/2009

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Yes, there are probably deserving families in Dayton that could have benefitted from some renovations...but wait..there were some renovations done in Dayton, and they have since been trashed. There is always going to be someone who thinks they, or one of their own, should have been picked. It sounds to me like the Terpennings were a good choice. I would have like to have been able to go and volunteer, but was not. Good luck to the Terpennings. May God continue to bless them!!!

Bar bee
12:38 PM, 8/3/2009

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