Sheriff James Williams is the only Sheriff in Ashe County, NC to run un-opposed.

Williams was born and raised in Ashe County and is a Vietnam era veteran. He served one year in the 260th Military Police Company and is a former member of the 1450th Transportation Company.

After he returned home from the service in late ’71, there was an opening coming up in the West Jefferson Police Department.

“After coming from the military police unit and the job opening at West Jefferson, it seemed like everything just fell into place. I’ve been hooked on law enforcement ever since. I applied and got the job in July 1972. I was probably the youngest officer ever hired. I worked for the police department for five years and then went to the Ashe County Sheriff’s Department and started working for Sheriff Corky Miller,” Williams said.

While working at the West Jefferson Police Department, he was named captain and then worked at the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and earned the rank of Lieutenant before returning to the WJPD in 1997 where he served as Chief of Police for 8 years.

As far as his plans for the future, Williams said, “I started in law enforcement young. I was 21 when I started so I still have a lot of good years left to contribute to the county and the citizens. I have always enjoyed working with the people and the job that I do. I have some ideas of things that I’d like to change and take the department in a different direction. I really want to ensure the best protection and law enforcement program for our citizens,” he noted.

Williams was married to his wife, Mary, for 33 years and they were members of Liberty Grove Baptist Church. They have a daughter, Cindy, and two grandchildren.