James Woods Jr. takes the helm of Hinds Co. youth detention center
On November 17, 2025, James Woods Jr. was formally introduced by County Administrator Lure Berry as the new Executive Director of the Henley Young Patton Juvenile Justice Center.
Woods Jr. is a native of Winona, Mississippi, and the son of James and Mary Woods of Leake County, Mississippi. Woods Jr. is a graduate of Velma Jackson High School, the University of Mississippi, and Belhaven University. He most recently served as Warden at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl, Mississippi. Previously, he worked at the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility, which housed both juveniles and adults.
Woods said, “As Executive Director of the Henley Young Patton Center, I am responsible for the supervision of approximately 20-30 Correctional Officers and 10 Counselors, along with two Executive Assistants. The center currently houses 54 Juveniles with a capacity of 80.”
During an exclusive interview, Woods explained: “I bring managerial skills and leadership skills that were developed while at Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility. I always treat youthful offenders, staff, and parents with respect. I feel staff and offenders need always to be treated with the utmost respect. I plan to expand on the educational programs already in existence and introduce gardening and horticultural programs along with community outreach for 7th to 12th graders to inform and educate youth about alternatives to becoming a part of the juvenile justice system. Additionally, I plan to push for youth to obtain their high school diplomas and/or GEDs so they can be competitive once they leave the Henley Young Patton Center. … Safety and security of the Henley Young Patton facility are my primary responsibilities as executive director, along with the supervision of staff and youthful detainees.”
James Woods Jr. can be reached via email: james.woods@co.hinds.ms.us.
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