My column this week has come with great anticipation, as many others. I speculated and wondered when Mr. James Moultrie, District Four and Dillon County’s most enduring classroom teacher, would finally retire. To my knowledge, only the late Mr. Henry McBride, who was my principal when I was in junior high through high school, had more time in as an educator with the district. I initially met Mr. James Moultrie when I was in the eighth grade at Gordon High School back in 1965. He was my history teacher and I credit him for being one of the key influences that helped to stimulate my love of history. Unlike some that I sat under at school back then with a wandering mind, he managed to captivate and fascinate me, thereby holding my attention with his simplistic and very informative style of teaching. He is the only teacher and educator who had the responsibility of teaching three members of my immediate family, as well as a few of my brothers. My wife, Dr. Louise Goings, who is the principal of South Elementary School, as well as my son, Michael, were taught by Mr. Moultrie.
Before I share with you some of the many achievements and accolades that Mr. Moultrie have procured over his many years of service and sacrifice in both the sacred and secular sectors of our culture and community, it is necessary that I first introduce you to his family. Mr. Moultrie’s parents were Susanna Moultrie and Rev. Willis Graham. He has been married to Mrs. Hazel Roberts Moultrie for 49 years and they have three sons: Doug, James, and Patrick, as well as grandchildren, of whom they are very proud. The following facts and information capture and convey some of the many things that Mr. James Moultrie done and achieved in his long and illustrious career and journey in life.
* Member of the South Carolina Basketball Officials Association Hall of Fame (2008)
* South Carolina All-Star Referee (2014); North-South Carolina All-Star Basketball Classic
* Former member of the Tri-County Community Mental Health
* Outstanding and dedicated services to J.V. Martin Junior High School Student Council
* Outstanding and dedicated services to Dillon County Education Association
* South Carolina Black Family Expo honoree (2010)
* Dillon County Democratic Party, Chairman
* Mount Calvary Precinct, Captain
* 100 years of combine officiating in basketball, football, baseball, and softball in South Carolina
* Outstanding and dedicated service to D.C.T. Latimer Alumni Committee
* Organizer of the Washington, D.C. trip – J.V. Martin Junior High School (26 trips thus far)
* Service on the deacon board – New Hope Baptist Church
* Trustee Board – New Hope Baptist Church
* Church Treasurer – New Hope Baptist Church
* Van Driver – New Hope Baptist Church
* Member of the gospel choir – New Hope Baptist Church
* Sunday School Teacher — Men Adult Class
* Baptist Training Union Teacher
* Avid sports fan – New York Yankees, Washington Redskins, and Dillon Wildcats
* Four year starter for his high school baseball team — Latimer High School, Latta, South Carolina
* Three year starter for Morris College baseball team – Sumter, South Carolina
* Former District 6 Basketball Director, including the following counties: Dillon, Marion, Florence, Marlboro, Darlington, and Chesterfield
* Bright Star of the Valley #217 Worthy Patron DES
* Wonder Lodge #459
* Two yearbook dedications – J.V. Martin and Dillon Middle School
* Entrepreneur – Watkins Products
The previous material, although it showcased much about Mr. Moultrie, nevertheless failed short in revealing the true man behind all of the years of service and sacrifice. In my observation and estimation of Mr. James Moultrie over the many years that I have known him, I have come to discover a man who truly loves his family. After all these years, he is still in love with his wife, Hazel, and is fully committed to her well-being. I have come to know him as an outstanding father and grandfather who loves his children and grandchildren. Mr. Moultrie’s involvement and commitment in so many worthwhile causes for so long has truly been exceptional and remarkable. It has been the stuff that legends are made of. He is truly an inspiration for all of us and is a class act worth imitating. When looking for heroes and champions, we need not look to the arena of sports, rappers, singers, actors, or entertainers. These conceited, egotistical, and highly overrated and overpaid celebrities that many people have, in their stupidity and hero-worship, have deified and placed on a pedestal that they are not worthy of occupying.
It is time that we learn to give honor to those whom honor is due. In an age of turmoil and uncertainty, when ominous clouds are looming over our heads as harbingers of impending judgment, we need to recognize and celebrate some true champions and heroes that we know personally who have sacrificed and served us for so many years, enriching, enlightening, enhancing, and empowering our lives. Ever since I met him back in 1965 until this present time, I have referred to him not as James, but as Mr. Moultrie. To me, it is a term of both respect and appreciation to who he has been in the life of so many in both the sacred and the secular. Regardless of what my title might be or who I am recognized as being by people, Mr. Moultrie shall continue to be Mr. Moultrie. In a real sense, I am a part of his legacy, a part of the fruit that has come up out of the soil that he has sown in for many years. Mr. Moultrie, you have fought a good fight, finished your course, and kept the charge that was committed to you. You are truly one of my heroes and people who I look up to. Sir, it is time for you to enter into your rest. I know you will stay active and enjoy your retirement. A job well done!
