GREEN COVE SPRINGS – James Householder, Clay County’s Director of Facilities and former Director of Parks and Recreation was buried at Hickory Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 29, after passing away a week earlier.

“James made a significant impact to those he worked with and the departments he managed,” said county manager Howard Wanamaker. “His passion, dedication, and attitude were contagious to those around him. His leadership was an integral part of county operations. The projects he oversaw will serve as a legacy to Clay County and remain a constant reminder of his service to our community.”

James managed 46 full-time employees in the Facilities and Maintenance Department and coordinated building and grounds maintenance, and custodial services for the county administration building, courthouse, fire stations, libraries and other county-owned facilities. James also directed the Parks and Recreation Department until November of last year, managing ten full-time employees, the county fairgrounds, and 45 county parks and athletic complexes, including 13 piers and boat ramps, and eight trails and bike paths. James worked every day to ensure residents and visitors could enjoy safe, easily accessible, and well-maintained facilities, and a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities. He also managed the budgets for both departments ensuring funds were spent to efficiently meet directives of the Board of County Commissioners.

Assistant Director of Facilities Gene Price described James as a people person who was passionate about family, art, and military service. Price said, “James would always say, let’s plan ahead and think about the long term, which would enable him to make critical decisions with the best possible outcome for county projects, budget and personnel. His character was always positive, and he was always willing to help those around him.”

During his career with Clay County, James led the development of the first Clay County Parks and Recreation Standard Operating Park Plan and Open Space Master Plan. He also made significant contributions to public safety and the quality of life for Clay County residents and visitors at the following parks and public facilities:

• Clay county parks and boat ramps

• Construction of Neptune Park ball fields, concessions, and parking lot

• Construction of the Camp Chowenwaw Jungle Trail boardwalk, fishing pier, and bathhouse

• Knights Marina pier reconstruction

• Construction of Moody Avenue Park with ADA accessible baseball field

• Construction of Oakleaf Community Park and parking lot expansion

• Omega Park drainage improvements and concession stand construction

• Construction of the Eli Warren Fitness Course at Ronnie Van Zant Park

• Construction of stairs at Main Street Park

• Drainage improvements, paving, and exhibit hall renovations at the Clay County Fairgrounds

Public Facilities

• Construction of Fire Station 11 in Keystone Heights

• Design Build of Masters Yard Maintenance Facility in Middleburg

• Instrumental in repair and reconstruction projects for multiple county facilities including the Clay County Courthouse, jail, libraries and fire stations

• Instrumental in the initial stages in the development of Clay County’s first gun range property

• Grounds improvement at the historical courthouse and TAPS Monument in Green Cove Springs

• Multiple beautification projects at various Clay County grounds and facilities

• Led multiple Hurricane Matthew and Irma recovery projects throughout the county

Senior Master Sgt. James Householder served in the U.S. Air Force and retired after 29 years in the Civil Engineering and Facilities Maintenance career field. After his military service, James began his career with Clay County in the Parks and Recreations Department as the Program Manager in 2015. He was later promoted to a new position as Director of Facilities to develop that new department. James was a Clay County native and served in the Clay County government for more than six years.

“James dedicated his life to serving his country and his community,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Cella said. “The contributions he made, both here in Clay County and across the globe through his long military career, are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.”