Much of Simpson County is in mourning after an incident last Friday that led to the Sheriff’s Deputy James Blair losing his life.
Blair, born March 18, 1943, was described as a loving son, husband, dad, grandfather, brother, and friend.” He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Joyce Blair, and his children, Randy Blair, Mike Blair, John Smith, Vicki Blair, Stacy Blair, Kimberly Boyd, and Debra Brumbeloe. He is also fondly remembered by his siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Blair served in law enforcement for over 50 years, and was described as one of the hardest working deputies with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office.
Blair got his start in law enforcement in Warren County near the Vicksburg area, where he worked as a constable for several years. He also served in a law enforcement capacity in Pike County and Louisiana. Blair had been with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office for five years.
Sheriff Paul Mullins, spoke fondly of Blair’s work ethic and willingness to help everyone. Mullins said, “There was never anything that I asked him to do that he wouldn’t do. He was always willing to do whatever we needed him to do.” Mullins said no matter the task Blair was ready and willing to accept whether it was working as a bailiff, leading funerals, or prisoner transport. Blair recently led the seniors in their graduation parade.
Mullins spoke of Blair’s kind heart and his willingness to help others. Mullins said he was always first to start a flower fund for coworkers dealing with deaths in their family, or making nice gestures to brighten someone’s day. Mullins said, “He was always looking out for people and he saw the good in everybody.”
Deputy Adam Scarborough worked closely with Blair and was his neighbor. Scarborough said, “He was a good man.” He explained that the 77 year old Blair was continuing to work to help support his grandchildren. “He was all about kids, he loved children and that’s what made him a great resource officer at Simpson Central School.” Blair worked closely with the staff at Simpson Central School to help keep the campus safe. Scarborough said, “He was one of those rare men who would go out of their way to help everybody. It the works had more people like Mr. James then we’d be a lot better off.”
Blair worked closest with Pam Savell who processes paper work to be served. Savell said “He got everything done right away and was always Johnny on the spot.” She said for him to be 77 years old he was one of the hardest working deputies she had ever worked with. His days would consist of working at Simpson Central School doing school patrols in the morning, and then serving papers. He would sometimes go back to the schools and escort busses to other counties during activities.
She smiled and said, “I would always ask him how he could keep going at 77 years old, but I bet he didn’t know he was.” She reiterated his love for children and willingness to help people in need. She said if there was a child that did not have money for lunch he would reach into his pocket and give it to them. She said, “He was a special person and he will be truly missed.”
Buddy Robinson and James Blair were very close, and both served as school deputies. Robinson said he and Blair would say good morning every day to each other over the radio. They would also eat breakfast together at Zip’s or Waffle House before going to work. Robinson smiled fondly and said, “He always kept jokes going, I really thought the world of him, he was like a second daddy to me.”
Greg Reynolds served with Blair, and described him as his buddy. Reynolds said, “You could call him at 2 o’clock in the morning, and he’d be on his way. Day, night, rain, or shine if you called him he was coming. He was very dependable and even though he was 77 he could hang with the best of them as far as working."
Reynolds said he has received several questions as to why a 77 year old man was continuing to work as a deputy. He said, “He was 77 years old raising 5 grandchildren, but he loved what he was doing and wanted to be out helping the community. He’ll be greatly missed at the Sheriff’s Office.”
Blair’s funeral was held on Wednesday June 17 at Tutor Funeral Home, and he was laid to rest in Ruth Cemetery in Ruth MS. Several cars lined Highway 13 as a sign of respect to Blair as he proceeded to his final resting place.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to honor the life of James Blair and assist his family. Links to the page and instructions on how to donate can be found on the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. A benefit account has also been created Blair at Peoples Bank
