James “J.D.” Williams, Sanford City Council’s current longest serving member, will be recognized at the November 18, 2025, council meeting – his last as a board member since taking the oath of office 28 years ago.

Williams was first elected to office in 1997 in a race for Ward 3 against incumbent Lois Stewart and newcomers Roberto Ortega and Robert Wallace. Williams won with 98 votes – and has held the seat ever since. Williams’ victory made Sanford history in two ways: he was the first Black City Council member to be elected into his first term of office and he was the first Black person to represent Ward 3. 

When Williams was elected, Walter McNeil, Jr., was in his 16th year of service as representative for Ward 4. McNeil was Sanford’s first Black member of City Council, having been appointed in January 1981. McNeil and Williams served together for 17 years until McNeil’s passing in 2014. McNeil holds the special title of longest serving Council member in the City's history.

Williams’ history-making service – which included a term as mayor pro tem – had lasting implications, says daughter Angela Murchison. “My dad carried not just his own dreams, but the hopes and wishes of the entire community on his shoulders,” she remembers. “He walked with purpose and dignity every single day.”

In the nearly three decades since taking his oath, Williams has become known for his “bigger picture” perspective of Sanford’s needs. “He served his ward well, but he truly represented every single resident of this community,” notes City Manager Hal Hegwer. “Mr. Williams’ focus has always been on what’s important for this city as a whole.”

Mayor Rebecca Salmon, who has served with Williams for the past 14 years, agrees. “Mr. Williams has always had the heart for doing what was right both by the city and by everyone who lives here,” she says. “He has been a decisive voice, a steady leader, and an incredible public servant.”

Sanford has changed dramatically over the past 28 years, shaped by social and economic challenges. However, Williams never lost sight of the impact municipal investments in infrastructure, economic development, and amenities could have – especially as those investments brought in diverse employment opportunities. “He understood that good, high-paying jobs were the key to helping families get ahead,” Hegwer says.

Williams is “not just a politician,” says Ward 1 representative Mark Akinosho. “He is a man of character and conviction who doesn’t rush to give an answer – he thinks deeply about every decision to ensure it will help our community.”

Williams’ strength of character has always been evident, says Bonnie Bryant, who has served as City Clerk for most of Williams’ service.  “He is always respectful – even when he disagrees or when the vote goes in another direction,” she says. “He treats people well, no matter the circumstances.”

Through it all, Williams’ compassion for people stood out. “He has always been open to listening and to finding the answer that will best help our community,” says Councilwoman Linda Rhodes. “With Sanford’s unprecedented growth, Mr. Williams’ foresight and patience have been extremely important to making decisions that will improve the day-to-day lives of our residents.”

“Our community will continue to benefit from the work Mr. Williams has done well into the future,” Salmon says. “He has been a strong champion for our city, our residents, and our employees – making a true and powerful difference that will be felt for generations.”

Williams’ daughter Dawn agrees. “My dad taught us that leadership is about service, sacrifice, and courage,” she says. “By watching him, we learned to work hard, serve others, and always do what’s right – even when no one’s watching. That’s his real legacy.”

The November 18 council meeting will be held in Council Chambers of the Sanford Municipal Center, located at 225 E. Weatherspoon Street. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and be followed by a reception in Williams’ honor.

Along with incumbents Salmon, Rhodes, and Akinosho, incoming Ward 3 representative Chris Petty will be sworn into office at the Tuesday, December 2, 2025, meeting with a reception to follow.