In our series, we strive to highlight some of the many members of our community who are worthy of recognition and, in the past three years, have yet to make a dent in that long list. Although our goal is to add new features every year, we would be remiss if we did not include some of our most impactful leaders, such as our former Richmond County Sheriff, James Edward Clemmons Jr., "Clem," made such an indelible mark on our community, personally and professionally, thereby cementing his fixed annual feature status in our series.
James “Clem” Clemmons made history as the first person of color to be elected as the Sheriff of Richmond County in 2011, but this wasn’t his first time he made history in his career.
Prior to becoming the chief law enforcement executive in the county, Clemmons was the first person of color to hold the rank of major in 2002.
He was the son of James Edward (Pete) Clemmons Sr., and the late Beverly Price Clemmons, and has one son, James Edward Clemmons III.
A 1979 Graduate of South Brunswick High School in Boiling Springs, Clemmons graduated from Livingstone College in 1983 and Mount Olive College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
His career in public service began in 1981 as a correctional officer for the North Carolina Division of Prisons. In 1989 he became a patrol deputy for the RCSO and was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the detective division in 1991. He continued moving up the ranks and was promoted to lieutenant in 1997 and to captain in 1998.
Some of his notable duties and roles included: former commander of the RCSO SRT (Special Response Team); community police training, which prepared him to be the Community Policing coordinator for the Town of Dobbins Heights; and overseeing the Civil Division, patrol, jail and courts.
He received numerous awards and certificates (and was appointed to several boards):
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
Thomas Campbell’s quote could not be more true of Sheriff James Clemmons. On Aug. 5, 2021, our beloved Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons passed away.
On April 25, 2022, the overpass on U.S. 1, where it crosses over the U.S. 74 Bypass, NCDOT honored memorialized Clem by renaming the the bridge to the Sheriff James E. Clemmons, Jr. Bridge, in accordance with section 41.43 of the state budget.
Join us today in celebrating a leader who listened, was a true role model, and an absolute representative of Black History of Richmond County! Thank you, Sheriff Clemmons, “Clem,” for all that you did and the permanent mark you left on our community. We are truly better because of you.
Editor’s Note: Visit Richmond County is highlighting prominent local African Americans each day in February in honor of Black History Month.
