Staff Spotlight: Officer Nancy James

Law enforcement was a second career for ASU Public Safety Officer Nancy James. Ms. James was working as a bookkeeper and accountant and owned her own restaurant before a life-changing event changed her career path.

“I got into law enforcement late in life,” she says. “I was in my early 40s and my husband died of a heart attack. He was only 39, and I just realized then that life was too short to not be doing the things you wanted to do. I’d always wanted to get into law enforcement, so I did.”

Ms. James attended the East Georgia Police Academy in Blythe, Ga., and began working at ASU seven years ago. She says the best thing she’s found about working as a police officer is meeting new people and being able to help them.

“I’m just a helping kind of a person,” she says.

She’s not kidding.

When Ms. James isn’t busy with her duties on campus, she’s spending time reading to children at Lamar Elementary School (ASU’s adopted elementary school) and volunteering with community agencies like the American Red Cross and University Hospital’s Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services.

“I probably go to Lamar at least three times a week,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to be able to sit with the children and talk to them. A lot of those kids don’t have that and it’s nice to have that positive influence. All they need sometimes is a kind word and a smile.”

As for her former career as a restaurant owner and accountant, Ms. James has no regrets about leaving it behind.

“There is no typical day in law enforcement,” she says. “There’s always something new and different happening, which is like most other jobs. The only difference is that I carry a gun.”

Who: Nancy James

Position: Public Safety Officer

How long at ASU: 7 years

Family: Husband, Edward; a daughter; and two grandchildren

What do you do outside of work: Volunteer work and working in the yard

Best part about ASU: “The people and being able to be so involved in community service. I couldn’t do what I do without the help of all the other officers here.”

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