James announces candidacy for coroner

John James

Russellville resident John D. James has announced his candidacy for the office of coroner in Franklin County.

James said his commitment to public services is what made him ultimately decide to seek office in 2014.

“Growing up in Franklin County, my family was always involved in public service,” James said.

“Whether it was in law enforcement or the funeral service, I grew up understanding the principles behind ‘serving the public.’

“As I began to look for a career path to support my family, I was drawn back to the idea of public service, which I have continued since 1987.

“As Franklin County coroner, I will be able to further extend this attitude of service to the people of Franklin County at a time when they most likely need assistance the most.

“Anytime the coroner has to be called, a life has been lost and families are going through a very difficult time. These times call for a person with compassion, respect, professionalism, honesty, and integrity. These are traits that I adhere to daily and will gladly bring to the office of coroner.”

James is a lifelong Franklin County resident and is married to the former Sherry Mayfield of Russellville, who retired in 2012 after 25 years as a teacher at Tharptown Elementary School. They have one daughter, Chelsea, a senior at the University of North Alabama set to graduate in May with a degree in Entertainment Industry Business and who is engaged to be married to Nick Thorn, of Russellville, on June 7, 2014.

They also have one granddaughter, Jonalyn, who is two years old.

James and his family attend Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville where he serves as a deacon, Sunday School director, and as a member of the choir and personnel committee.

In the community, James is a former member Russellville Civitans, Franklin County Relay for Life team captain, past president of the RHS Band Parents Association, a volunteer firefighter for Tharptown Fire from 1987-1990 and for Russellville Fire Department from 2003 to present, and a member of Gideons International- Franklin East Camp.

Professionally, James has served as the regional training center coordinator for the Alabama Fire College since 2008. Before that, James has worked for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency from 2003-2008 as the regional coordinator, deputy director and interim director; for the Russellville Fire Department from 1990-2003 as a lieutenant; and also as the deputy director of the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency from 1991-2003 as the deputy director.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Administration from Athens State University, has 27 years of public safety experience in the fields of fire, EMS, EMA, and 911, and was the deputy coroner from 1990-2002.

James said that his ample experience in all of these fields has made him more than qualified to serve as the coroner of Franklin County.

“The duties of the coroner, as established by Alabama law, are to determine cause and origin of death, as well as time of death,” James said.

“To accomplish these duties, coordination and cooperation with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other agencies involved as a result of the death of a citizen of Franklin County will be necessary.

“Over the last 27 years, I have worked alongside these groups, establishing a positive relationship and the respect of the personnel making up these agencies.

“As an elected official, I understand and accept the obligation to answer calls throughout the county. However, there will be times and circumstances that a response by me personally would neither be possible or practical. Because of this, I will appoint and have certified a sufficient number of Deputies to provide an adequate response to these calls.

“Our primary concern is that the duties associated with a persons’ passing are carried out in a timely and efficient manner, and not prolonged for unnecessary reasons.

“I humbly ask for the votes of the citizens of Franklin County on June 3 to elect me to the position of Franklin County coroner.”

James can be contacted by cell phone at 256-810-8795, by email at johnjames1965@gmail.com, or social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).