Appalachian Council of Governments Executive Director Steve Pelissier presents Lucille Batchler, widow of former Cherokee County Councilman James Batchler, with the Jack E. Millwood Helsman Award in honor of James, only the second recipient of the award. With his family and loved ones in attendance, the late James Batchler was remembered for his service to the county and the Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG) on Monday.

Batchler served for four decades on Cherokee County Council and for 20 years on ACOG prior to his death Aug. 27.

During an emotional ceremony at the beginning of Monday’s Cherokee County Council meeting, council vicechairman Rufus Foster presented Batchler’s widow, Lucille, with a framed memento of his recognitions.

Batchler was then honored for passionate service to ACOG with the Jack E. Millwood Helmsman Award — the highest award given by ACOG.

Executive Director Steve Pelissier noted that Batchler is only the second recipient of the award, named in honor of another Gaffney resident, Jack E. Millwood, who now serves as a emeritus member of ACOG.

“In caucusing with other board members, it was agreed James deserved this for his high level of leadership and guidance,” Pelissier said. “Thank you for loaning us your husband, dad and father-in-law.”

Lucille thanked Pelissier and county council for honoring her late husband and noted that they would have been married 60 years had James lived until December.

“Most people don’t make it that long,” Lucille said. “That’s a blessing in itself.”

Batchler’s daughter-inlaw, Lori, thanked the community and even the media for their kind remarks about James.