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WINTON – Perhaps it’s ironic that the very first Hometown Hero award presented by the Hertford County Board of Commissioners went to an unsung hero.

Jamie Johnson was the inaugural recipient of that esteemed honor, presented at Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting of the commissioners.

While well known as a successful local businessman for nearly 50 years, Johnson’s philanthropy efforts are overlooked. He is active in both the Ahoskie and Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a Boy Scout leader (Troop 166); served on the Hertford County Committee of 100; held fundraisers for the Ahoskie Food Pantry; and continues as a faithful servant to his church, St. Thomas Episcopal.

Johnson is also on the Board of Trustees at Chowan University.

Forty-seven years ago, Johnson opened Ace Hardware in Ahoskie. The success of that store served as the launching pad for Ace Hardware in Murfreesboro. Between those two locations, Johnson provides jobs to nearly 60 local people.

“Wherever there is a need, Jamie Johnson will fill it, but yet there are many things that he has done without being recognized,” said Dr. Renee Tyler, Clerk to the Hertford County Commissioners. “He lives by the example he set in his hardware stores, a place where everyone is treated the same, no matter if they spend 25 cents or spend $2,500.

“His motto is you should always put others above yourself.

He has a strong feeling for the community,” she added.

Tyler noted that Johnson’s philanthropy came naturally. His father, J.T. “Jim” Johnson Sr., was also a successful local businessman who would take his son with him to visit people in the nursing home when the family lived in Scotland Neck. Jamie’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Evans, supplied the funding for the steeple on Murfreesboro United Methodist Church.

Jamie Johnson is also well known for remembering birthdays. He will mail birthday cards or make phone calls to those celebrating their special day.

“He does so many things for so many people that it’s hard to imagine all he has done over the years,” stressed Tyler.

As part of the Monday’s recognition, Johnson was presented with an official Hertford County flag that flew over the county’s Judicial Center on March 11.

Commissioner John Horton pinned a Hertford County local government pin on Johnson’s shirt.

“Congratulations on this honor and thank you for all you have done for Hertford County,” stated Commissioner Bill Mitchell.

“Thank you for your contributions to our county, to the town of Ahoskie, and to our region,” said Commissioner Leroy Douglas.

“We want to thank you for all you have done for Hertford County,” remarked Commissioner Ronald Gatling.

“It is such an honor and a privilege for this board to recognize the great things that so many people do in Hertford County,” said Andre Lassiter, Chairman of the board. “We have great individuals right here in our own community and Jamie Johnson is one of those people. He is our very first Hometown Hero. It’s well deserved.”

“If I told you I did all this stuff on my own, I would be telling a fib,” Johnson stated. “Everything I do is supported by my wife (Becky). I’m so humbled and honored to be recognized in this special way.”

Later, Johnson added that he patterned his life after his parents.

“My mom and my dad really reinforced this way of life. They did so much, without much fanfare, for our local communities,” he stressed. “I guess I was pretty darn lucky to have them set so many examples for us along the way. My life’s work has been full of customer service.”

Always looking for innovative ways to lighten the mood, Johnson reached inside his jacket on Monday night and pulled out six pair of Ace sunglasses that he asked the board members to wear while a group photo was taken.

Earlier this month, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners announced the Hometown Heroes award, a new initiative to recognize the outstanding contributions of local citizens who have made a significant positive contribution to the community. Nine more recipients (one per month) will follow, each honored for their influential contributions through acts of service, bravery, or dedication to the county and its residents.

Community members are encouraged to be on the lookout for announcements regarding the monthly selections as the Board identifies individuals who exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to Hertford County.

For more information or to learn more about the Hometown Hero initiative, contact Tyler at (252) 358-7823.