One day I had an idea … a passion to want better for my home county … a desire to stand for what is right and a determination to stand firm for what I believed in… . Today I am pursuing my dream as a candidate for sheriff of Robeson County 2018.

I, James Argus Jones, Jr. have served in Robeson, Bladen, Cumberland and Mecklenburg counties as a law enforcement officer. I have a total of 30 years of experience in law enforcement. During my last 20 years within law enforcement, I was employed with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. I retired as a master trooper on July 1, 2016.

In addition to my employment as a law enforcement officer within Robeson, Bladen, Cumberland, and Mecklenburg counties, I also worked on a special response team while employed in Mecklenburg County. During my years of service, I received many certifications and commendations such as, the Intermediate Law Enforcement certificate, as well as the Advanced Law Enforcement certificate. I am also a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.

I graduated from Magnolia High School in 1981. Following graduation, I pursued my Associates Degree in Police Science at Robeson Community College in Lumberton, N.C. While attending RCC, I obtained my Basic Law Enforcement Training certificate. This was the beginning of my career in law enforcement.

I am the eldest son of James A. Jones and the late Ellen Jones. My father retired with 44 years of employment at West Point Pepperell of Lumberton, N.C., and my mother was a homemaker. I have four brothers and three sisters. I am very family oriented. Being the eldest of the family, my parents expected me to be a role model and carry out the duties and responsibilities in assisting with the raising of my younger siblings. My parents instilled in me hardworking ethics. I learned at a very young age to work on the farm, operate our family owned business, West Saddletree Gas and Grocery, and assist in the operation of West Saddletree Saw and Tool Sharpening.

My wife is Sara Jones and we have been happily married for eigth years. We are the legal guardians of Tyson Bryant. We attend and are active members of Morning Star Community Baptist Church of Lumberton, N.C. Our pastor, Rev. Roosevelt Scott, has given his full support for my candidacy for sheriff of Robeson County. I have implemented and have overseen Community Day at my church for over eight years.

I am not only active in church, but also in the community. My career as a law enforcement officer contributed to the impact I strive to have within the community by enabling me to mentor youth and law enforcement officers and speak to local churches, schools and colleges on safety issues or concerns. I maintain my Basic Law Enforcement Certification through the Police Department with the town of Parkton. I am currently a volunteer member of the Rennert Fire Department.

As you can see from the biography listed above, I have established and built my career in a variety of roles. I have built my foundation on being fair, honest, maintaining integrity and upholding the law to the best of my ability.

As sheriff of Robeson County my goals are: to be one of high moral and professional standards, to restore the integrity and rebuild the trust and respect between the Sheriff’s Office and citizens of Robeson County through proactive leadership, and to uphold the law and move forward with change for a brighter future.

I prayed seeking God’s approval for this dream. As I move forward, I am not alone. God is leading and guiding me in this direction and I am following Him. I come before my citizens of Robeson County asking that we come united, to enforce respect and integrity to rebuild Robeson County for a better place to call home for our children, grandchildren and our future. It is time for the people of Robeson County to rise up out of the ashes of the past and move toward a brighter future. Together we will strive to lead this county with a New Vision in a New Direction.

Vote James Jones for sheriff May 8, 2018.

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James Jones is a Democratic candidate for sheriff.