James E. Lee will officially become Adams County coroner at midnight on Jan. 1, 2000, but he is already preparing for that responsibility.

&uot;I’ve already talked today with the state medical examiner,&uot; Lee said Wednesday.

He will attend a course at the state medical examiner’s office in Jackson on Nov. 29. Following that course, Lee said, he will be certified as a county coroner.

A respiratory therapist at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, Lee has worked in the past with the Pike County Coroner’s office.

Lee said his background as a medical professional is critical to the role of coroner.

&uot;I’m very much looking forward to giving good service to the citizens of Adams County,&uot; Lee said.

Lee said he also plans to hire two deputy coroners to keep the county coroner’s office running efficiently.

&uot;I will have to review the budget prior to hiring deputies,&uot; he said.

A major focus of Lee’s campaign has been to use the office of coroner for the education of young people in the community.

&uot;I plan to use the coroner’s office to educate teenagers on what drugs and alcohol can do at a young age,&uot; Lee said. &uot;I guarantee you, it’s effective to have the coroner deliver that message.&uot;