BATCHLER Growing up, children are often told that actions speak louder than words.

However, it was a lesson that former Cherokee County Councilman James Batchler would apply in his daily life, keeping his word, especially when it came to the welfare of local residents.

The beloved county councilman’s devotion to his job as a public servant was remembered Thursday at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet as he was inducted posthumously into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

“I know how much this county meant to my husband,” said Batchler’s widow, Lucille. “We gladly accept this Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Award; it’s definitely an honor.”

A pivotal figure in local politics known for his strong work ethic but low-key persona, Batchler died last August at a Spartanburg hospice after injuring his hip in a fall. Members of his family accepted the award on his behalf.

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 Cherokee County history.

Knowing it is one thing to walk the walk, and another to talk the talk, the longtime councilman did his best to keep the concerns of his Blacksburg area constituents in mind, playing an instrumental role in securing millions to build and furnish the Blacksburg branch of the Cherokee County Library and fighting to ensure the “Iron City” received its share of road improvement funds.

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. He took pride in his service on the board of directors of the Appalachian Council of Governments. He was celebrating his 20th year on that board at the time of his death. The Highway 29 bridge spanning the Broad River was named in his honor.