Sheriff James A. Hemond

Sheriff James A. Hemond

On the morning of March 2, 2025, with his wife and love of his life Jennifer and special brother in law and friend Jamie Murphy by his side, Sheriff James A. Hemond, age of 47, passed away. He is now resting after a fiercely contested battle with a rare form of melanoma. Despite the challenges throughout his cancer journey, James continued to show up for his family, community, and his department without yield.

James was beyond proud and honored to serve his home Caledonia County for over 25 years in law enforcement, having served at the St. Johnsbury Police Dept, Lyndonville Police Dept, and 17 years with the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Dept as Deputy and eventually Captain, before proudly earning his title of Sheriff, elected in 2022, bringing his time with the department to nearly 20 years. He accomplished a great deal in his short time as Sheriff, and had much more planned for his Department and community, and no doubt would have continued to serve in this capacity for years to come had he been given the chance. It is safe to say that James’ experience made him a reliable role model, advisor, and leader in the field of Law Enforcement. He had a reputation for being fair, approachable, and influential on people whose bad choices were turned around because of James’ consideration and guidance. 

Despite his successful career, his greatest pride and accomplishment in life was the role of husband and best friend to Jennifer and Daddy to his two young daughters, Paige (14) and Mia (11). If you knew James, you knew he loved his family - it was on his face, in his conversation, in all of his life choices. Taking care of “his girls” was his absolute priority and joy in life and the most difficult thing for him to face leaving while battling cancer. 

James was a caring and dutiful son to his parents, Mike and Janice, and a wonderful brother to his siblings, Mike, Mark, Melissa, Michelle and his twin, Jeremy. He was always there for his family when needed. James, his siblings and cousins loved reminiscing about their childhood memories and the mischief they got into. He will be remembered most by his family for his sense of humor, especially his ability to pull up any movie quote at any time and his bad impersonations. 

He was committed to his community beyond his role as Sheriff, as a member of the NEKHS board, CCSU board and was a founding member of Kingdom Impact Rotary, all of which he had to step back from during the challenges of his disease. He maintained his participation in the Caledonia Cooperative School Board, always dedicated to his local school community, and recently agreed to serve as a Corporator for Northeastern Vermont Regional Corporation. His wife had to remind him several times, he was only one person, and he couldn’t do it all, but he loved the connections, relationships, and result of service for his community. 

James was as humble as they come, and did no act for recognition. He had a ridiculous sense of humor that will be missed by many. He was a movie critic and expert, a music expert (especially in the 80’s genre), trivia, history, gun and vehicle knowledge extraordinaire. He was the human form of google for his friends and family, and was generally always right. “Ask James,” was a frequent response to those around him, when any question arose. 

James was born on July 1, 1977, son to Michael Paul, Sr. and Janice Rae (Carpenter) Hemond of Waterford, VT, they survive him. A lifelong resident of Waterford, VT, James graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in the Class of 1995, and is a graduate of Vermont Police Academy’s 84th Basic Training in 2007. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife of almost 19 years of marriage, Jennifer and their daughters: Paige Elizabeth and Mia James, his 5 siblings: Michael, Jr. and wife, Eva, of Concord, VT, Mark and his wife, Tara, of W. Burke, VT, Michelle Parseghian and partner, Jimmy, of Framingham, MA, Melissa Murphy and husband, Jamie, of St. Johnsbury, and his twin: Jeremy of East Montpelier, VT. James is also survived by his mother-in-law: Joan Wood of St. Albans, Vt, his father-in-law: Rodney Wood (Jeannine Lacoss) of Kirby, sister-in-law: Christine Rice (Shannon) of Barnet, VT, brother-in-law: Stephen Thomas of Waterford and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and very special nieces and nephews: Mike (III) and Evan Hemond, Dante and Damien Parseghian, Merrick and Saylor Hemond, Howie and Harry Murphy, Will, Fred, Quentin, and Josie Thomas.

He is also survived by his Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department family, with whom he cared for far beyond a working relationship. He was dedicated to each of them, and considered them in all of his doings as Sheriff. He was never a boss, but part of the team.  He is also  survived by an assortment of amazing friends from his different chapters of life, that he enjoyed many laughs with, and created lasting memories he always cherished and appreciated.

He was predeceased by his grandparents and special aunts & uncles: Paul & Lois Hemond, Mary & George Carpenter, Tony & Diane Handy, Doug Stetson, Billy Carpenter and Marie Hemond.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Fuller Hall, St. Johnsbury Academy with Rev. Jeff Pierpont officiating. Additional parking will be available at the Elks Lodge on Western Avenue as well as the Academy Fieldhouse parking lots.

An opportunity to visit and share stories with all attending will immediately follow the service at the Downstreet Bar & Grill (formerly Kingdom Taproom & Table) located at 397 Railroad Street. 

There will be no Calling Hours prior to services.

Memorial Donations may be made in James’ name to: NEKCAN, at NEKCAN.org and Locally Social Gives, Inc, at itfeelsgoodtodogood.org.

 Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com