A native of Indianola, Otha James III has dedicated his life to safeguarding and serving his hometown.
Now 54, James’s journey from a young volunteer firefighter to a respected leader at the Indianola Fire Department exemplifies resilience, dedication and a deep-rooted desire to make a difference.
A proud alumnus of Gentry High School, he pursued his passion for emergency services through extensive education.
He holds an associate degree in fire science, a Bachelor of Science in fire administration and fire investigation, and a master’s in homeland security and emergency management—all from Columbia Southern University.
James’s commitment to lifelong learning underscores his drive to excel and serve more effectively.
Before his career in emergency services, James served in the U.S. military.
From 1989 to 1996, he served as an M1 Abrams Armored Crewman (Tanker) with the Mississippi Army National Guard, holding the MOS of 19 Kilo. He achieved the rank of Specialist E-4 and proudly served as a Desert Storm veteran, demonstrating his dedication to protecting his country before returning home to serve his community.
As a firefighter and captain with the Indianola Fire Department, he leads by example.
His responsibilities include supervising firefighters during emergencies, developing rescue plans, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and acting as the incident commander.
Beyond the firehouse, he also serves as a fire investigator for Sunflower County, working tirelessly to evaluate and enhance community safety.
James’s career highlights include being named Firefighter of the Year in 2011 and achieving the distinguished role of fire investigator.
His dedication to continuous growth is evident in his pursuit of advanced education and leadership roles.
“Becoming a fire investigator and earning my master’s degree are some of my proudest accomplishments,” he said. “They represent perseverance and a commitment to my community and family.”
He said that his inspiration stems from his family, especially his late grandmother, Della Mae Webb, who taught him the importance of love, respect and kindness.
These values guide his daily interactions—treating everyone with dignity, embracing authenticity, and fostering empathy.
For James, service is rooted in grace, humility and the belief that everyone deserves respect.
Balancing his demanding career and family life, James said that he begins each day by preparing his daughters for school before heading to his shift.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones, he remains steadfast in his mission to support and uplift those around him.
“Family and community are everything to me,” he said. “Supporting my loved ones keeps me grounded and focused.”
Looking ahead, James aspires to serve as a fire chief someday and hopes to take on a higher role within emergency management within the next five years.
His strategic approach includes leadership development, community engagement and continuous learning.
When he’s not on duty, James enjoys listening to music, watching old films—reminding him of his late uncles—and spending quality time with his family. A dedicated traveler, he and his family often explore new cities, creating memories and experiences together.
In all aspects of his life, Otha James III exemplifies a true servant leader—guided by his values, driven by purpose, and committed to making Indianola a safer, stronger community.
