James Humphrey, a descendant of Randolph slaves, was born June of 1921 in New Bern, just outside of Sidney. As a lifelong resident he has striven diligently, giving of his time and money to preserve the gallant and tragic saga of the Randolph slaves. Today the slave’s heritage is alive in many of Sidney’s black citizens. Humphrey’s countless lectures and presentations to community groups has brought this remarkable story to the attention of many people throughout the area. This attention has been an integral part of Shelby County’s local history.
A native of Sidney, Jim attended Morris Brown College, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and received a degree from Central State College in Psychiatry.
A World War II veteran, Jim served in city government for 12 years. First serving as a councilman, later as vice mayor, and finally as mayor. James Humphrey was Sidney’s first black mayor.
Jim was employed at Amos Press as a Community Relations Director. He retired in 1987 with nearly 30 years of service.
A deacon of Mount Vernon Baptist Church for over 40 years, Jim has been involved in countless community organizations such as Salvation Army, NAACP and Sunset Kiwanis. He was selected for inclusion in the who’s who among black Americans. In 1987, Jim was honored with the establishment of a scholarship fund in his name. This scholarship, the James P. Humphrey Scholarship, is awarded each year to black Shelby County students as incentives for achievement. Jim organized a committee, BASC, to recognize and encourage black students who have demonstrated academic success. This scholarship provides incentives to help them continue their education beyond high school. In 2002 the Black Achievers Scholarship received an American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year award for “making a difference in the lives of individuals in Sidney and Shelby County”.
James has earned countless honors and awards including Black Mayor of the Year for Ohio, Sidney’s Black Achiever of the Year, Man of the Year, Outstanding Senior Citizen in Shelby County.
From slave descendant to city councilman and councilman to mayor, Jim was proud of his accomplishments. Hard work and dedication to his community made him a success.
As mayor, Jim Humphrey introduced President Ronald Reagan when Reagan arrived by train on the whistle-stop trip through Sidney, October 12, 1984.
James Humphrey served his country and community with honor. His creation of the Black Achievers Scholarship was an example of his dedication to education. He was a role model for his children and those across the county.