PICKENS — Surrounded by his friends and family Saturday afternoon at a location near and dear to his heart, Dr. John Hal Jameson received the state’s highest civilian honor — the Order of the Palmetto.

It was an afternoon of accolades for a man who has spent his life helping others — as a physician, as a soldier, and as a member of the County Cultural Commission.

The recognition ceremony took place at the Hagood Mill — a fitting location, as Jameson was one of many who worked to preserve the old mill site for generations to enjoy.

“They’ve done a lot to help preserve this place, to make this site and the Pickens County Museum a place that preserves where we all came from,” said Allen Coleman, the museum’s executive director.

“Today we recognize a man that has cared deeply for his community, his heritage and the cultural footprints of both,” Coleman said.

Jameson’s “accomplishments are many,” Coleman said.

“He’s a good friend,” he said. “All the actions he has executed during his life have been for the betterment of medicine, for fellow mankind, and certainly for a greater community.”

Born in Easley on May 17, 1917, Jameson is a graduate of Easley High School, Clemson College and the Medical College of South Carolina.

Jameson served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II.

Jameson practiced medicine for more than 40 years upon his return home, delivering an estimated more than 2,500 babies during that

time.

A founder of the Easley Medical Center, Jameson is a founding trustee of Easley Baptist Hospital — now known as Palmetto Health Baptist Easley.

A past chairman of the Pickens County Cultural Commission, Jameson was “a tremendous advocate” of the Pickens County Museum.

Coleman and Cultural Commission Chairwoman Susan Benjamin presented Jameson with a plaque honoring Jameson for his many achievements.

Pickens County Historical Society

Vice-President Wayne Kelley presented Jameson with a resolution on behalf of Pickens County Council.

“His efforts have proven instrumental in the preservation, restoration and presentation of the Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folk Life Center,” Kelley read. “Through his enthusiasm and love of history for his county and state, many areas of Pickens County have now become a national tourist attraction.”

County Council extends their “heartfelt appreciation” to Jameson, the resolution reads.

Jameson then received a big surprise — state Sen. Larry Martin presented him with the Order of the Palmetto, and read a letter from Gov. Mark Sanford bestowing the award upon Jameson.

“On behalf of the people of South, I’m pleased to award you the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor for service,” the letter reads.

Jameson’s entire life has been marked by achievements that merit the award, Martin said.

“Those small acts come together to represent a giant of a man,” he said.