EDITOR EARL JAMES
Former News Watchman Editor, James, passes away
Former News Watchman and local public servant Editor Earl James passed away Friday, He was 72.
James was known throughout the Waverly community primarily through his public service, serving as Waverly Fire Chief, as well as on the Waverly City Board of Education and Waverly City Council.
James was editor of the News Watchman from 1968 until 1975, he was director of the Pike County Emergency Management Agency for 12 years, and served 17 years as coordinator of the Pike County Emergency Medical services where he retired in 1971.
"When I came to Waverly I knew if I could follow the standards that Earl had set before me, I knew that I would be well accepted," said former News Watchman writer Randy Heath. "It was obvious how much he cared for the people of Pike County with the involvement not only with the news paper but with the emergency medical service, the fire department and the Waverly school board. He was someone who I truly admired all the years I spent in Pike County and I will miss him."
Current Waverly Mayor Bill Kelly announced Tuesday morning; the city mourns the death of James. The fire department led the funeral procession through town Tuesday with its fire trucks. "Our city government is better because he (Earl) was a part of it," Kelly said. "Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family."Following a funeral service at Grace United Methodist Church in Waverly, James was laid to rest in Waverly Evergreen Union Cemetery.
The Waverly News Watchman
September 8, 1999
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Pike Co. Genealogy & Historical Society
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