4 days ago
Former Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell laid to rest
Former Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell was laid to rest Friday at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Rusk.
'Sheriff Campbell was a true public servant and devoted his life to his community and family. Though he is no longer with us, Sheriff Campbell has left a permanent mark on both civilians and law enforcement officers that will continue to guide and inspire us,' Sheriff Brent Dickson said in a prepared statement Tuesday, announcing Campbell's death. 'Sheriff Campbell will be deeply missed, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.'
Campbell, 81, dedicated his life to law enforcement. His career spanned 54 years, ending with his retirement in 2020.
He began his career as a highway patrolman for the Texas Department of Public Safety and served a short term as Rusk City Manager before becoming Cherokee County Sheriff, a position he held for 26 years.
'Sheriff James Campbell was one of the kindest men I have ever known,' Jacksonville Mayor Randy Gorham said. 'During his tenure, he always took great care of the county as sheriff, and did so with the utmost professionalism and integrity. I am confident his legacy will continue to carry on through the officers that he trained and worked with. He was just simply a great man.'
Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis worked with Campbell for nearly 30 years.
'When I started as justice of the peace back in 1993 he was still on the highway patrol. His integrity shined in everything he did,' Davis said.
Davis recounted an event that exemplified Campbell's character.
'I was doing arraignments at the jail one morning when James was still a highway patrolman. He had arrested a young man for being intoxicated and was filling out all the paperwork to book him in,' Davis said. 'After he finished doing his work, he sat down next to the young man and told him that he couldn't continue drinking and running wild. He wrote his phone number on the back of his card and told the boy to call him if he ever needed to talk or if he could help him in any way.'
Davis said that small act of love still warms his heart when he thinks of his friend.
'Not long after that he was appointed sheriff of Cherokee County and I couldn't have been any prouder," Davis said. "He served in that position for 26 years and was the longest serving sheriff in the history of our County.
'I worked with him all of those 26 years as Justice of the Peace and county judge and I can never remember us having a cross word. I picked at him, I aggravated him and pulled all kinds of tricks on him, but we were always friends. James loved his family, his friends, Cherokee County, and his Lord with all with all his heart. He always gave his best in whatever role he played. The legacy he leaves behind in Cherokee County is something that will live on for many years to come.
'I miss my friend.'
