James Harrell Reid

James Harrell Reid, retired Sheriff of Hamilton County, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at the age of 79. The Hamilton County native was born on March 31, 1947, to the late Harry T. Reid and Kathryn Harrell Reid.

Sheriff Reid dedicated his life to serving others, both in his beloved Hamilton County community and throughout the State of Florida. First elected Sheriff in 1988, he served nine consecutive terms, providing 36 years of steady leadership and becoming the longest-serving sheriff in Florida from 2013 until his retirement in December 2024. Sheriff Reid will forever be remembered for his dedication to mentoring fellow law enforcement officers and his unwavering commitment to public safety.

In his spare time, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of his rural North Florida life. He could often be found at the family farm in Bellville, where he took deep pride in working the land, driving his grandchildren on the tractor, and teaching them how to pull peanuts. He was especially fond of turkey hunting—the excitement that came with it and the stories of how the gobbler met its end. Sheriff Reid also held a special place in his heart for Suwannee, where he created countless memories over the years with family and friends. Whether fishing for triple tail and redfish, having coffee on the balcony at sunrise, or playing dominoes until midnight, those moments were filled with laughter and pure joy.

Beyond his notable career, Sheriff Reid was a beloved patriarch and pillar of his family, who will miss him dearly: his devoted children, Katy Reid Land (Travis) and J. Reid; his beloved grandchildren, whom he adored, Jack, Dylan, and Tyler Land; his nephew, Trammell Reid; and a host of dear cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry T. Reid and Kathryn Reid, and his brother, Harry Reid. The family would like extend a special thanks to Rickteisha “Ricky T” Jackson, Veronica “V” Johnson, Rhonda Champman and Sarah Mitchell who took such good care of him.

Sheriff Reid was the embodiment of kindness, thoughtfulness and strength. His life was a testament to his character, his actions were the epitome of service and his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation to be held Monday, April 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Jasper. His life will be honored at a funeral service on Tuesday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. also at First Baptist Church in Jasper. Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Jasper (www.fbcjasper.org) or the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches (www.youthranches.org).