James Warren celebrates a half-century of dedication to the Eastern Shore AREC

At just 18 years old, James Warren applied to the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extention Center (AREC) after a friend told him about an opening on the farm crew that had decent pay and benefits.

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore, Warren’s reputation preceded him, thanks to his diligent work with other local farmers. He was hired immediately.

In his time since joining the AREC in 1973, he has seen five directors, three administrators, and 50 years’ worth of agricultural innovation.

Growing up, his father said to him, “Son, if you're ever going to gain anything, a rolling stone gathers no moss. You’ve got to stay still to accumulate.” This is exactly what Warren did.

At the time, the farm crew was on a strict schedule, with very few breaks. Although the days were long and the work was hard, Warren loved his job and coworkers.

“They were like a family that came together five days a week,” he said.

As equipment technologies advanced, Warren noticed a difference in the team’s productivity. Today, for example, most of their planting is done with a machine, which is great news for Warren, whose least-favorite part of his job is hand-planting potatoes.

Over the years, Warren has supported a variety of projects and will help wherever he can to get the job done. His job title has expanded from farm hand to include technician and mechanic. His favorite parts of his job are driving a tractor and working on vehicles.

“James Warren is as steady, dependable, and good-natured as anyone I ever met,” said Tommy Custis, his previous supervisor of 38 years. “It was very comforting to know he always ‘had my back’ and I had his. It was as if he could read my thoughts and was then ready to do whatever was needed as I was thinking about it. You could not ask for a nicer person.”

Warren saved the lives of three coworkers, including Custis in 1989. It was just the two of them out in the field when Custis got stung by a bee and had a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Custis says that he looked up at the brown building, which had suddenly turned gray, and said to Warren, “I don’t feel so good.”

That’s the last thing he remembers until waking up to find that Warren had carried him through the field and mud, back to the station, where he called for an ambulance.

At age 70, Warren retired, then came back part-time. Today, he comes in twice a week, and says he plans to keep doing so until he can’t anymore.

With so much time and energy invested in the Eastern Shore AREC, Warren says he feels an emotional connection to the station. His directors and administrators rely on his expertise and will include him when making major decisions.

“I appreciate that always and I try to help the best I can,” Warren said.

Spanning over five decades, Warren’s commitment and unwavering dedication have been a cornerstone of the Eastern Shore AREC’s success.