By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” –Bob Marley

Much of James Seagle’s life has been about music.

For 19 years, he was a band instructor at Shades Valley High School from which he retired in 1989.

He has used his musical talent in several capacities as a volunteer.

He plays trombone in the orchestra at Hunter Street Baptist Church, where he has been a member since 1976.

He is a member of the Montevallo Community Band, which is comprised of about 50 members.

Created around 2000, it was the brainchild of Mayor Grady Parker and was formed under the auspices of University of Montevallo Band Director Spencer Shaw.

The MCB has played at American Village for the Fourth of July Fireworks event and performed concerts in the city of Montevallo.

From time to time, Seagle has also served as band conductor.

For the past 10 years, James has served as the president of the Pea Ridge Senior Citizens Club.

James serves as the driver of Pea Ridge’s van. He volunteers to transport the members to the Shelby County Historical Society ‘s Liberty Day event.

Seagle has volunteered as Session Guide at the Shelby County Water Festival.

The event teaches students the concepts of protecting and conserving water resources.

The festival provides lots of hands-on activities designed to help educate citizens to be informed and responsible stewards of water resources.

As Voting Poll Inspector, he is a regular sight at the voting polls during elections.

Duties include issuing ballots to registered voters, registering voters, monitoring voting equipment and explaining how to mark the ballots or counting votes.

He has been the caretaker of his ailing wife for the past several years.

While duties have compromised his ability to be involved in recent times, his past involvement in a number of activities and organizations as well as his devotion to his spouse is a testament to his character and concern for and dedication to his fellow man.

“I have received so much help from people in my life. I feel like I need to give back. And when you don’t have monetary means, you can do other things to help,” he said.