Throwing out the first pitch at the dedication for the new baseball complex at the high school.
Accepting a key award at the chamber of commerce banquet.
Standing on the sidelines at high school football games cheering on the team.
Riding through Homer in a convertible in the Christmas parade.
Leading a local church for over a decade while its membership explodes.
The Rev. James “Jim” McLendon (lovingly called “Brother Jim” by people throughout Banks County) is not a native of Banks County. He has not lived here all of his life. But he is the biggest cheerleader for Banks County to be found. He has been named the Newsmaker of the Year for 2008.
Brother Jim, 76, can often be found at community events greeting people, getting photos to capture the occasion and encouraging those around him. He has been so involved in supporting athletics at the high school that he was presented with his own letter jacket. He proudly wears it as he continues to cheer on the teams.
“It is obvious that Brother Jim has not only been successful at Homer United Methodist Church but within our community,” said Chris Erwin, Banks County School System superintendent and a member of Homer United Methodist Church. “He has been a cheerleader for our students and schools that has had an unprecedented impact. The students have a glow in their eyes whenever he is around.”
Brother Jim has served in the ministry for over 50 years. His first appointment as pastor was at Rebecca Methodist Church in Rebecca, Georgia, in 1957. He had graduated from Emory University in 1957. He retired from Wesley Monumental Methodist Church in Savannah in 1997.
Shortly after his retirement from the ministry, he was asked to serve Homer United Methodist Church, where the membership had dwindled to only 42 members on the roll.
His wife, Marilyn, recalls that when he walked into the Homer church "he was like a kid with a new toy". The church now has 325 members.
Erwin says, “One way I would describe Brother Jim would be to say that he truly loves everyone. His love for everyone is evident in his ministry as seen on Sunday when the church members line up after his sermon to get a hug from their pastor. As superintendent of the schools, I often say that it takes a village to raise a child and Brother Jim is the heart of our village.”
John P. Rivers
St. Simons Island, Georgia
touched many lives (the least of which has been my very own as a poor Baptist Pilgrim) with a Divine Love that is truly amazing..." l Congratultions from all your Friends in Perry, The Crossroads of Georgia!!!
Thank you for the many times you have prayed for me, supported me and lifted me up.