Currently serving his second term, Jim is the board's most senior commissioner.
One of the aspects Jim enjoys most about being a commissioner is managing growth. He explains,
“When it comes to these classes we take, I can say with 100 percent certainty that managing growth is my favorite. It’s a slippery slope—being able to maintain our pace of life here that we know and love while also trying to make sure we’ve got ample job and leisure opportunities. You really have to strike a balance. Some people may not think it right now, but growth is coming our way. It’s right around the corner, especially with how the ports and I-16 are developing. We’re going to get some of that, and I’m excited for it. Especially because I know that thanks to these growth management classes, I’ll be ready to make informed decisions when the time comes.”
Jim’s proudest accomplishment as a commissioner has been keeping taxes low. Since he’s been on the board, the commission has lowered the millage rate every year except one, when taxes were raised to increase employee salaries.
Reflecting on his time in office, Jim has also learned a valuable lesson:
“Your vote as a single commissioner is powerful; it affects people’s lives, so it is important. But you’re just one vote. It takes a majority of five to get anything done.”
In 2024, Jim was appointed by the chairman to serve on the Twin City-Emanuel County Recreation Department board, the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission, the chamber board, and the joint development authority. These appointments align with his passion for managing growth in the county. Additionally, Jim volunteered to serve on the inaugural Public Facilities Authority. He received unanimous support and now serves as the chairman. He is also deeply committed to his role on the Keep Emanuel Beautiful board, where he focuses on maintaining the county’s visual appeal.
A native of Emanuel County, Jim values the strong sense of community that defines the area. He shares,
“It’s home, and we’re not as divided here as other places are. Sure, we don’t always all get along. We’re not perfect, but for the most part, we love each other. I see it all the time. We hold the door for each other, we bid each other, ‘Good morning!’ and we tell each other, ‘Good night.’ When something happens, God forbid—we pull together. And I don’t take any of that for granted.”
Jim was born to Helen Sherrod and the late Arthur Sherrod, and he has lived in District 4 all his life. A graduate of Swainsboro High School’s Class of 1986, he has built a life in the community he loves. Jim and his wife, Bobbie, have six children, including their son Chase, who is following in his father’s political footsteps and was recently elected as the new magistrate/probate judge, taking office in January 2025.
Jim enjoyed a 35-year career with Pineland and also runs his own deer processing facility, a business started by his father. Over the years, he has volunteered extensively as a coach in the community, passing on his knowledge and passion to the next generation.
Fun Fact: Jim has quite the green thumb. He loves to grow his own produce, which is probably why his garden "keeps getting bigger every year," in his own words. He also loves to spend time being "Pa" to his five grandkids; his favorite way to do that is touring the backroads of District 4 with them.