Joe Mims is a sod farmer who owns one of the oldest farms in Chilton County.

His wife, Glenda Mims, and he have lived and worked on their sod farm since 1974; however, it wasn’t until 1996 that they became fulltime farmers.

Mims was an educator for 30 years, during which time he was principal and vice principal at Jemison High School.

He put that experience to further use when he was elected to the Chilton County Board of Education, where he continues to serve today.

“There were a lot of things in the county that I saw I could help with,” Mims said. “So I ran for the board to see what I could do to help out with the way our education system worked.

“So far, since I have been on the board, we have done many great things including building the new Clanton Intermediate School building,” he said.

In his spare time, which is very little, Mims likes to purchase, fix and show his antique tractor collection.

Over the years he has collected many tractors that have won over his heart.

He said this was his favorite hobby.

“I have six tractors that were built prior to 1938, and I love getting to clean them up and to even ride on them during parades,” he said.