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By LOU HATTER
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
James William “Jim Bill” Fletcher would prefer that his photo not appear in the Rappahannock News. In fact, he’d prefer that his photo not be taken at all. He’s not interested in a news story, either.
His accomplishments .have always been achieved quietly, out of the public eye and without fanfare. But his lifetime of service has earned him this newspaper’s recognition as its Citizen of the Year.
Former county supervisor J. Newbill Miller called it a long-due recognition of Mr. Fletcher’s service to the county and its residents. “He has been Rappahannock County’s outstanding citizen for as long as I can remember. Anybody can do it for a year or two, but he has been there for five decades. He has been a positive influence in Rappahannock County for 50 years.”
His friends and fellow lawyers praised his integrity during a special session of Rappahannock County Circuit Court Dec. 15, when his portrait was unveiled in the county’s courtroom. The occasion was in recognition of his fiftieth year in the practice of law.
Mr. Fletcher, in fact, graduated from law school at the University of Richmond in 1939, when he was only 20 years old. He passed the bar exam, but since the age of majority was then 21, had to wait until his 21st birthday that'October to begin his practice.
For some years, he was one of only two practicing attorneys in Rappahannock County. Retired Circuit Court Judge Raynor V. Snead, at the dedication ceremony, recalled that when he came to Rappahannock County to practice law he called on Mr. Fletcher, asking his advice about relocating here.
With characteristic honesty, Judge
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