Jim Hawkins

Meet Jim

Jim Hawkins is a native of Sumner County who knows the value of service to both God and his community.

As a student at Gallatin High School, Jim learned the value of service by actively participating in his church and Boy Scouts. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout as well as the God and Country Award. Jim also learned to hunt with his dad and earned the NRA Safe Hunter certificate.

After graduating from Centre College in Kentucky, Hawkins attended law school at Duke University where he continued his passion for service by volunteering as an attendant at the Duke Chapel for his entire three years. Jim also completed a Masters in educational studies at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.

Hawkins began practicing law in both Sumner and Robertson Counties with the local firm Harsh, Kelly & Smith before becoming an attorney for BellSouth and president of BellSouth Public Communications. In 2002, after 14 years with BellSouth, Jim answered the call of service once again. He became the managing attorney of the Legal Aid Society in Gallatin. Legal Aid provides free legal counsel to low-income families, senior citizens, veterans, and domestic violence survivors.

The eldest son of James W. and Betty Hawkins of Gallatin, Jim currently resides in Gallatin with his wife Betsy and their three children, Rachel, Jimmy, and Caryn, all of whom attend Sumner County public schools.

Hawkins is an active member in the Gallatin Noon Rotary Club and is a graduate of Leadership Sumner. He is also active in the United Way and area historical associations. As a small business owner, Hawkins holds memberships in the Gallatin, Hendersonville, Portland, and Springfield-Robertson County chambers of commerce.

Faithful to his roots, Jim serves as a troop volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and also a Sunday school teacher and choir member at the First United Methodist Church in Gallatin.



Paid for by Jim Hawkins for State Senate, Michelle Haynes, Treasurer.