County Commission Honors Jimmy Walls

The DeKalb County Commission is honoring a long time local civic leader for his service to the community.
County Mayor Mike Foster recognized Jimmy Walls during Monday night’s county commission meeting.
A plaque will be presented to Walls on stage of the Fiddler’s Jamboree next week.
Reading from a resolution, Foster said ” Whereas, from time to time, it is appropriate for DeKalb County to recognize people who unselfishly serve our County. It is therefore fitting that the DeKalb County Commission and County Mayor honor Jimmy Walls for the service he has given his Country, his County, and his State.”
“Whereas, Jimmy Walls has served Mount Herman Baptist Church and the Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts of America.. He has served for 15 years in the National Guard and the United States Post Office. He has also served on various Commissions and Boards and any job asked of him by the City of Smithville and DeKalb County.”
“It is therefore, with a great sense of pride, that we declare July 5th, 2008 as Jimmy Walls day, in honor of all the many contributions he has made to our community.”
“Jimmy Walls is a member of the Mount Herman Baptist Church and serves as Sunday School Director, Vacation Bible School Director, and is Chairman of Deacons.”
“Jimmy worked with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and served as Cub Master for several years.”
“He joined the Tennessee National Guard in February, 1953 and served for 15 years. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in February, 1968. His job in the company was Supply Sergeant.”
“Jimmy began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in Smithville in March, 1954. He started as City Carrier and in September, 1971 he was appointed Rural Letter Carrier in Smithville. In December, 1995 Jimmy retired from the U.S. Postal Service with a total of forty one years and nine months service. During these years as a rural carrier, he assisted many people in need on the mail route. On one occasion during a bitterly cold day in December, he came to the rescue of an elderly woman who lived off the main road, but part of the rural route. She had been lying in the yard for about two hours and was unable to get up. She was barefoot and in short sleeves. She said ‘I knew my only chance was when the mail carrier came along, because no one else was going to be here until 4:30 p.m.’ He pulled his coat off and put it over her, then called for assistance in getting the lady back into her house. There were many other occasions when he was asked to assist people in need.”
“In the sixties and early seventies, Jimmy was active in the Smithville Jaycees, and held every office on the local level. In 1964, he received the Distinguished Service Award. He worked on many local projects that were a benefit to the City and County. In 1970, he was given a JCI Senatorship award. He was awarded a life membership in the Tennessee Jaycees, and was also a Colonel and Commander of the Tennesee Jaycee Volunteer Corp.”
“In December 1982, he was apointed by the Mayor and City Council to the Smithville Planning Commission. On April 4th, 1983, he was elected Secretary and served as Secretary until August 6th, 1992. At this time, he was elected Chairman of the Smithville Planning Commission. He served as Chairman for a total of 14 years. He resigned December 21st, 2007, serving a total of 25 years on the Smithville Planning Commission.’
“In July, 1987, he was appointed to the City of Smithville Board of Zoning Appeals. He served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman. He resigned December 2007, serving a total of 20 years.’
“In January, 2004 Jimmy was appointed as a member of the DeKalb County Joint Economic and Community Development Board, and resigned December, 2007.”