James Goodman retires after 28 years

James Goodman has retired after 28 years of service at the youth detention center.

Goodman was celebrated with a luncheon at the center and by a surprise party at his residence on Melrose at the end of his last day, Friday May 31, 2024.

Goodman’s wife, Tara, said, “He has been employed with Warren County Juvenile Detention center from the very first day the ribbon was cut. He has dedicated himself to being  a mentor and role model for each and every boy and girl that he comes in contact with. I have witnessed so many people who have thanked him for his service and for being a graceful officer. 

Sheriff Martin Pace asked him on several occasions to work as one of his deputies but he turned him down because he knew in his heart, someone needed to be there for the children. He knew God intended for him to shape each child he encounters with love and dignity with the belief that sometimes, most of the time, they are searching for someone to listen, love, and empathize with them. His prayer is that he made a difference in someone who will then make a difference in their household who would then make a difference in their neighborhood  who would then make a difference in their community and to establish positive bridges for our children to navigate safely. 

Officer Goodman also volunteers as youth football coach for the Vicksburg Packers, a local youth football team in our community. He also work alongside Tommy Curtis at All Around Fitness, training men and women and athletes. He is a longtime faithful member of Travelers Rest Baptist Church. 

He is definitely a hidden figure in our community who deserves to be recognized for his dedication and commitment to our youth in our community.”

Mayor George Flaggs said of Goodman, “James Goodman is the Greatest and Most Dedicated Youth Detention Employee. He was the “Man for our Youth.” The kind you could ALWAYS TRUST.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace gave a little background saying that when he became Sheriff in 1996 the Youth Detention Center had been approved, not been built. When the Sheriff took office it was a foundation and a frame across the street from the jail. When the Youth Detention Center was built in the spring of1997, Goodman was one of the original juvenile officers hired by Sheriff Pace, “He was an excellent officer. In 1999, he was Officer of the Year for Warren County.” At that time it was unheard of for someone who was not a road officer to win that award. “I nominated him,” said Pace

Goodman was also recognized in 2017 on the 20th anniversary of the Youth Detention Center opening with an order signed by then Judge Price.

“On multiple occiasions I offered him the opportunity to come out of the dentention center and become a regular deputy in a patrol car. On every occasion he turned that down saying, ‘His place was with the kids,” explained Pace. “Goodman has dedicated his entire career to the youth of this county. He’s a good guy, a really good guy and he has had a tremendous impact on the youth of this community.”

After getting an escort home and greeting his family, the surprised Goodman spoke to the community via the live stream report and said “I’ve been there since 1997, I’ve seen a lot. I helped a lot of kids, that was my goal.”