Jeff Sims (left) shakes hands with U.S. Representative Phil Roe (right) at the 36th annual Statesman of the Year Dinner. (The Herald/Submitted Photo)

For most people, the notion of civic duty usually ends with casting a vote, but one Sevier County man is being recognized for his service to the political party he stands with.

Jim Sims of Sevier County was chosen by the Tennessee Republican Party as Statesman of the Year for the First District.

“I’ve always voted republican since I voted for Reagan when I turned 18,” Sims said. “I first got interested in politics through local elections, and it carried over from there.”

More recently, Sims has supported the campaigns of Republican nominee for State Representative Andrew Framer, State Senator Doug Overbey, Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals and U.S. Representative Phil Roe.

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