Griffin Speaks

JIM LITTLETON RETIRES

James “Jim” A. Littleton, Division Director of the Community Services Division (CSD) at ADECA recently retired.  Some people had to be turned away because there was no room left in the beautiful top floor dining room at the RSA Plaza. A popular saying in Alabama State Government is “Everybody loves Jim Littleton!”

 I was thrilled to have been invited to my former boss’s retirement luncheon. Mr. Littleton had served on the Parole Board for 10 and ˝ months before accepting the position at ADECA. He was a wonderful boss. Everyone at the Parole Board loved him. We were sad to see him leave. He simply landed a better position.  

There were so many important people in attendance at the luncheon. I only have space to name a few. In attendance were: Senator Hank Sanders, Federal Magistrate Judge Vanzetta Penn McPherson, Dr. Dorothy Riggins, (she sang several beautiful songs), Bea Forniss (the mistress of ceremony), James Dupree, Rev. James Arnell, Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker, Cynthia Dillard, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles Chairman, Mr. Sidney T. Williams, Tom Gardner, Maxine Ervin, the Cunninghams, the Littleton Family, the Jones, Browns, Smiths etc. etc.  It was a grand affair. 

The Community Services Division from which Mr. Littleton has retired administers grant funds from the Dept of Health and Human Services to Community Action Agencies Statewide to provide Community Services Block Grants. In other words it administers a whole lot of money. Mr. Littleton promises to remain active. A very good man has retired. I wish him well. Everybody loves Jim Littleton! 

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com