ON THE COVER

The Outdoorsy Type

Kemper County Sheriff James Moore has seen plenty of young people who lacked connections with loving , caring adults . And that ’ s one reason the 61-year-old says he has committed himself to spending time hunting and fishing with his grandchildren . “ Honestly , I wanted them to get off video games and get out and do something ,” he said . “ I knew that those relationships would be more likely to be built out in nature . I also believe that we live in a beautiful place . I hope that it is a tradition that they want to continue one day with their own children and even grandchildren . I hope it becomes a family tradition , for sure .” Moore himself learned to hunt and fish from an uncle , Willie Cunningham , who he is still close to today . “ If it hadn ’ t been for my uncle , I probably would have been an adult before I had the chance to try hunting and fishing ,” he recalled . “ I love my uncle to death . He is a great guy .” Before he became a grandfather , Moore hunted with his son . “ I started my son on it and he loves it ,” he said . “ We still hunt and fish together all the time . Then , we introduced my grandchildren to it , and they absolutely love it , too .”

Kemper County Sheriff James Moore , center , with grandchildren , from left : Kade , 4 , King , 8 , Jayde , 9 , and Jase , 14 .

10 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN