Longtime Hawkins County attorney James Point was honored Monday by the Hawkins County Commission for his decades of service to the community.
Point, who serves as Hawkins County’s delinquent tax attorney, was introduced Monday by Commissioner Glenda Davis, who told a story about Point before reading a proclamation.
She said that during the blizzard last year she heard what she thought was a road crew grading the road. When she and her husband looked outside it was Point plowing her driveway.
“I happened to think, I knew the tractor, and it was Mr. Jim Point, and he saved my life,” Davis said. “Jim, thank you for being a friend. Thank you for being a neighbor. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. And most of all, thank you for all those delinquent taxes you sent to us.”
A video of Mr. Point’s proclamation ceremony can be seen in the online version of this article at www.therogersvillereview.com
‘Unwavering dedication to upholding the law’
The proclamation notes that Point has served the community with unwavering dedication and commitment through his years of serving Hawkins County as the Delinquent Tax Attorney and in his public service throughout the community to the benefit of our citizens of this community.
He began his practice in Hawkins County in 1982 after serving as a US Naval Intelligence Officer at the rank of lieutenant.
The proclamation states that Point, his wife Nancy of 54 years, exemplified the values of family, raising their three daughters, Riki, Beth and Alicia, in Rogersville and creating a welcoming home environment for their friends. He and his family were active members of the Rogersville Presbyterian Church, with Point serving 20 years as a lay pastor.
Point was a volunteer coach through Rogersville Parks and Recreation girls’ basketball and softball for 30 years, and was inducted into their Little League Coach Hall of Fame in 1994. He also served as a Rotary Club member for more than 20 years, was a member of the United Way Board of Directors for 49 years, attorney for Holston Electric Cooperative for 25 years, and served on numerous other boards, including the Rogersville Water Commission, Chip Hale Center, and McKinney Cemetery.
“Mr. Point has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to upholding the law, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and tirelessly working to safeguard the interests of our residents as the Hawkins County delinquent tax attorney since 1982,” the proclamation stares. “As such, he has done so with dignity, fairness, and integrity. Mr. Point assisted his constituents in navigating the journey to resolve any property tax issue, always willing to go above and beyond the duties of his position. Mr. Point consistently served this position with honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility, keeping his keen sense of humor and personality in difficult situations.”
‘You accepted us’
Point recalled that when he was 22 years old he packed everything he owned into a Volkswagen, he had $600 in his pocket, and he moved to Tennessee for a six month internship at the Tennessee Valley Authority.
When he arrived in Rogersville and saw the beautiful hills and lakes, he thought to himself, “Do people really live and work here. This is a pretty nice place.”
“I had no idea I would stay,” Point told the commission and large crowd that came to witness his proclamation. “It is I who should thank you. It is I who should honor you. It is you who I and my family appreciate. You accepted us. You did not have to. You made our lives invaluable. You made us part of the family. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Point added, “I truly honor you and thank you, and appreciate you. Thak you for all you’ve done for us.”
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