For nearly 30 years, James Van Meter has been a proud resident of Columbia County, Georgia—a region that first captured his heart in 1996 during a temporary assignment at Fort Gordon. It was in Evans that James not only found a community he admired, but also met Christy Cadle, the woman who would become his wife and partner of 27 years.
Their love story, rooted in perseverance and faith, flourished through early separation and blossomed into a family devoted to shared values and purpose.
Together, they raised three exceptional children: William, a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry Officer; Elayna, a Biomedical Physiology student at the University of Georgia; and Michael, a freshman Engineering student at Georgia Southern University.
All three continue to walk in faith, seeking spiritual homes wherever life takes them.
James’ core values—God, Country, and Family—are more than guiding principles; they are a legacy inherited from his parents. His father, a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, along with James’ mother and sister. This deep familial commitment to service and sacrifice paved the way for James’ own enlistment in the United States Army in 1985.
During his distinguished military career, James was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and with the Maryland Army National Guard. He served in critical roles including: Flight Operations, Cavalry Scout, and Computer Programmer
His assignment with Task Force 118, whose mission was to escort shipping vessels through the turbulent waters of the Persian Gulf, was the hallmark of his active duty enlistment.
Following active duty, James continued to serve his nation by reenlisting in the Maryland Army National Guard in support of National Policy under Title 10 with federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Professionally, James brought the same level of commitment and leadership to the field of information security and technology. He worked at the Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University for a decade, culminating in the role of Chief Information Security Officer. Today, he serves as the Chief Information Officer for the Columbia County School District, a position he has held with distinction for 19 years.
James waited to enter political life until his children were grown, reflecting his belief that parenting is a shared mission grounded in core values and active engagement. His children’s success and dedication to faith speak volumes about the strength of that philosophy.
His community involvement includes:
With a life that bridges military honor, professional excellence, and community dedication, James Van Meter exemplifies service in all its forms—standing firm in his convictions and striving to uplift those around him.
Vote for James Van Meter for Columbia County Commissioner District 1 in 2026.