Dedication — to a person, to a project, to a cause - is the noblest of traits.

And that word, perhaps more than any other, personifies James Dewey Batchler.

The longtime Cherokee County councilman passed away Thursday at the age of 85.

Mr. Batchler was dedicated to his county, his country, to God and his family.

His name was synonymous with Cherokee County. He loved living here, loved the people who live here, loved being involved in helping to decide the future of his beloved county.

He kept the county's best interest in everything he did, every vote he cast, every word he uttered once the council meetings were called to order. He gave no quarter and asked none when it came time to defend his philosophy and his decisions.

He was proud to represent his constituents and they were proud to be represented by him. He held them in the highest regard, and they him.

Mr. Batchler spoke his mind and stood his ground, whether in a room full of voters and with a single person. He was genuine in his feelings and opinions. He was the real deal. You knew where you stood with him. There were no put-ons, no airs, and no disingenuousness.

And while he could have sought a higher public office and more than likely would have been successful at that pursuit, he was content with his position right here at home where he could walk down the street and rub shoulders and shake hands with his neighbors and friends.

Mr. Batchler served with the United States Marine Corp during World War II and was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church.

His accomplishments as a councilman is evident all around us, in the modern facilities at the county-owned Peachtree Centre elderly care facility, in the establishment of the Blacksburg branch of the Cherokee County library and the expansion and improvement of utilities, infrastructure and services in and around the Blacksburg area.

We extend to Mr. Batchler's family our heartfelt condolences and offer our thanks and appreciation for all he did for us during his 11 terms as a councilman.