JAMES BATCHLER 1924 — 2009 James Batchler, a pivotal figure in Cherokee County politics who brought a strong work ethic but low-key persona to county government, has died.

Batchler, 85, died at a Spartanburg hospice Thursday afternoon, surrounded by his family.

In a public career that spanned more than four decades, Batchler was sworn in as a county commissioner Jan. 1, 1967. He was elected to his 11th term on council in 2006, making him the longest-serving councilman in history.

Although he would spend some time at his son's cabinet shop, public service was his true calling and his passion, fellow councilman Charles Mathis said.

"James was a friend of mine and Cherokee County," Mathis said. "He was very conscientious about his work on his council. He had a good keen mind and a good business sense. His life has been county council. For years, that was it. The county is sure going to miss him."

Clerk to Council Doris Pearson remembers Batchler's compassion and his keen memory in a relationship that spanned 29 years.

"James was like a father to me," Pearson said. "He cared a lot about all the people but he was especially very good to the Blacksburg area. He could remember things way back. If I couldn't remember something, I'd ask James and he could tell exactly when it was."

Batchler entered the hospital Aug. 12 after injuring his hip in a fall.

Relatives said tests revealed a fractured hip. Batchler later developed blood clots in his legs and was transferred to Spartanburg Regional's heart center. He entered a Spartanburg hospice after his release from Spartanburg Regional on Tuesday.

Batchler was known for his service to his beloved Blacksburg area constituents. He was instrumental in securing more than $2 million in grants for public water in the Cherokee Falls area. He also helped raise millions to build and furnish the Blacksburg branch of the Cherokee County Library and fought to ensure that Blacksburg received its share of road improvement funds.

"We think an awful lot of James," Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue said. "Just like when Olin (Phillips) passed away, you can't replace that experience. Politics was pretty much his life and he did a good job of getting water to all sections of Blacksburg. It was a full-time job for him."

Batchler also had an enviable track record for helping all of Cherokee County, especially law enforcement and providing funds for health care services for the aging.

He served as council chairman in 1984,1989 and 1990. One of his proudest achievements was his service on the Board of Directors for the Appalachian Council of Governments. He was celebrating his 20th year on the board of directors.

"James always was a big supporter of the ACOG (Appalachian Council of Governments)," said Steve Pelissier, ACOG executive director.

Pelissier said Batchler spearheaded ACOG's drive to fund its new building.

"He was a real ambassador for ACOG with the local leadership in Cherokee County," Pelissier said.

In a tribute to Batchler, the Hwy. 29 bridge spanning the Broad River was named after him.

"He was just an allaround good man," Cherokee County Interim Administrator Ben Clary said. "He was well-thought-of. He's going to be missed."