The Stone County Economic Development Partnership proudly celebrates the people who make our community extraordinary through the “Gems of Stone County” recognition. These outstanding leaders embody dedication, service and leadership, shaping Stone County into a compassionate and vibrant place. Just like rare gems, they shine through their remarkable contributions and lasting impact on the community.
Raven James doesn’t chase recognition. He doesn’t use many words. And he certainly doesn’t like the idea of being highlighted as a “Gem of Stone County.” However, after speaking with him and learning the depth of his commitment to Stone County, it’s evident why he is an excellent choice for such an honor.
“I’m born and raised in Stone County and have lived here my whole life,” James said. “And I’ll never leave. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.”
Raven was an outstanding running back for Stone County High School, which led him to receive several scholarship offers; he ultimately chose to attend Mississippi State University. After playing for the Bulldogs, James dedicated 51 years of his life to work, spending the first 26 years at Coastal Paper in Wiggins, now known as Dunn Paper, where he specialized in occupational health and safety and environmental management. He later continued his career in Emergency Management for Stone County. It’s clear that when James commits to something, he sees it through to completion.
“Look, I don’t like the spotlight,” he said. “I went to work every day, and I don’t need to be recognized for that. I had a job to do, and I did it. It’s that simple.”
Raven’s work in emergency management was often behind the scenes, an overlooked side of public service. He didn’t end up there by accident; his strong work ethic and calmness during crises shone through until he retired in 2021.
“My work in emergency management helped prepare Stone County for whatever disaster may occur,” he said. “It could be associated with manmade disasters, like terrorism and where I worked with Homeland Security, or it could be mother nature like tornadoes and hurricanes.”
Like many people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Raven remembers Hurricane Katrina as a pivotal moment – not merely as a news story or a memory, but as a turning point. He recalls the day the winds roared and the water rose. He remembers the quiet after the storm – when there was no power, the roads were flooded and neighbors leaned on each other because there was no one else to lean on yet.
“Katrina showed me and everyone else what people really need when everything falls apart,” he said. “Water. Shelter. Someone who knows how to get a generator working. Someone who can drive all night without complaint. Someone who’ll stay ‘til it’s done.”
And Raven did all that – not just in Stone County, but eventually beyond Mississippi. Whenever disasters struck, he went quietly with a purpose. He helped after Hurricane Sandy tore through parts of New Jersey. He was there when Hurricane Michael hit Florida. He didn’t want credit. He just knew people needed help, and he knew how to do it.
“You don’t have to know everything,” he said. “You just have to be willing to do something.”
That’s the core of who he is. Raven doesn’t give speeches; he gives time, sweat and patience. He’s the kind of man who can set up a mobile command post in a parking lot and who also spent 45 years as a volunteer fireman with the Wiggins Fire Department. Even in retirement, he remains active in important initiatives, such as serving as a board member for the Stone County Economic Development Partnership.
His very own support system remains steadfast, too. He married his wife, Helen, 49 years ago, and the couple has two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. When asked about his favorite things to do in Stone County, he points to his family.
“We don’t have just one place we love to see or visit; I’m just happy to be with them and play with all my grands,” he said. “Stone County is one of those places that means something different to everyone who was born and raised here. Growing up, you don’t know anything, and you always say you’re going to move somewhere. As you get older, you realize how much you love the place and never want to leave.”
He takes pride in Stone County, appreciating it fully because he’s seen its worst days yet still believes in it. You’re likely to find Raven at local festivals or Pine Hill Social events each first Saturday with his family, showing up in support of the community he’s proud to call home.
But he’s also incredibly happy to enjoy his retirement. With limited free time to fish during his years of work, he now spends one weekend a month with friends in his fishing club.
“One weekend, we might be in Flint Creek, and the next weekend, we might be in Jackson,” he said. “I also get to do stuff around the house that I put off for years. I stay busy.”
For a man of few words, it’s ironic that he can’t think of just one word to describe Stone County; instead, he uses four.
“I love my county,” he said. “The quality of life you find here cannot be found anywhere else.”
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