James T. "Jaye" Jones Jr., who has been a practicing lawyer in McDuffie County since 2001, now has two jobs.
His newest job, like his other job, even carries a title to it, too.
The reason: Mr. Jones was recommended for appointment to Thomson City Council By Mayor Robert E. "Bob" Knox Jr., just prior to last Thursday night's regular monthly council meeting.
Mr. Jones will serve-out the unexpired term of former Councilman Mike Carrington, who recently resigned the position to become the new director of Forward McDuffie. The term expires at the end of this year.
Later this year, Mr. Jones will have to make a decision about whether to seek a seat on council as an elected member of the panel. Each of the five council seats, as well as the mayor's position, will be up for re-election in Thomson's City Election in November.
After being unanimously appointed to council, Mr. Jones officially took the oath of office during a special ceremony in city hall council chambers from McDuffie County Probate Judge Valerie Burley.
"Jaye, we're delighted to have you," Mayor Knox said. "You're going to do a fine job and we welcome you."
Mr. Jones, who grew up in the Dearing area of McDuffie County and who lives in Thomson, said, "I'm very eager and excited to get started in moving Thomson forward."
In replacing Mr. Carrington on city council, Mr. Jones also was appointed to the seat that he held on the Thomson-McDuffie County Recreation Board.
During an interview at his office the following day, Mr. Jones said he'd like "very much" to be a part of the downtown revitalization project.
"I'd like to lend my thoughts about that project, because it's something we'll all be proud of someday - the way our downtown looks," Mr. Jones said. "I want what's best for downtown Thomson."
Mr. Jones, a 1994 graduate of Briarwood Academy, also is a 2001 graduate of Mercer University Law School and later that year began practicing law with the Dallas Law Firm in Thomson. He now, however, has his own office, located in the Dozier Office Building. Mr. Jones handles both criminal and civil cases.
"I am humbled By the fact that I was asked to serve on Thomson City Council," the city's newest official said. "I hope I can do a good job for the people of this city and help move it forward in a positive direction for the future."
Mr. Jones is married to Debbie Jones, who serves as director of public affairs and marketing at McDuffie Regional Medical Center. The couple has one child, Lindsey, who soon will celebrate her second birthday. The family attends First Baptist Church of Thomson.
