Mr. James Crowell III is an extraordinary leader in Southern Mississippi in the areas of civil rights, race relations, equal opportunity, affirmative action, human resources, and public service. He is well known and respected through out the Gulf Coast Community for his devotion to people and undying efforts to improve equal opportunity for all. A leader with vision and tenacity, Mr. Crowell's influence goes beyond his 34-years of civilian career of sustained superior performance to the U.S. Air Force, his church and the Biloxi Community where his diverse and inspiring accomplishments are without equal. Mr. Crowell is a graduate of Robert E. Hunt High School of Columbus, MS. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, MS.

This 28-year Diamond Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of  civil rights throughout the Gulf Coast. resident of the Biloxi Branch NAACP, the branch membership has grown from 150 members to more than 250 members. He is now serving in his eighth two year term. A leader who motivates others to action, he activated committees and influenced positive changes to occur in many areas of his community.