MT. AIRY – A man who spent nearly 50 years in banking in Habersham County was honored Saturday for his contributions to the community.
James Burrell, who retired from United Community Bank last year after 48 years in the local banking industry, received the 2019 Humanitarian Award during the Mt. Airy Nationals and Georgia Cities Day celebration.
“The Humanitarian Award goes for a distinguished person, either in the car shows or that tries to help their fellow man,” said Mt. Airy Town Councilman Mike McCoy. “That’s what it’s all about is passing stuff along and doing stuff.”
McCoy talked of Burrell’s contributions to the community.
“He’s done a lot of good things for people, not only for individuals – he helped our school system a lot,” Burrell said. “He’s very humble and a very good man.”
Burrell received a wooden award plaque and a wooden rocking chair.
“I want to thank everybody,” Burrell said. “This means a lot. This was a shocker.”
Burrell began his banking career at First National Bank in Cornelia in 1970, beginning as a teller and ending 20 years with the bank as senior vice president.
When First Commerce Bank opened in Cornelia, Burrell became its president.
In 1989, UCB purchased First Commerce Bank and Burrell continued to serve as president.
Burrell has served as a member of the Rotary Club of Habersham County, Habersham Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Bankers Association, and Community Bankers Association of Georgia. He is a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia, where he has served as a deacon, usher and on various committees.
