The building was later used as a non-denominational church by the Hillside Gospel Mission until the early 1970s. With the sun shining brightly through the southern "wall of windows", the bell would ring from the belfry calling local children to school and worship. Many local people were either teachers or students. Sadly, for over 20 years, the school stood vacant and fell into disrepair...
Then,
on April 13, 1985, a group of volunteers led by the late Judge Julian Turner began a restoration project. With the tremendous drive, support and dedication of many volunteers and businesses, the James School Restoration Project returned the old one-room school house to serviceable status by July, 1987. Once again, the original James School bell could be heard ringing from the belfry and once again the sun was shining brightly through the southern "wall of windows". Since 1987, the buildings and grounds have been used for "a day in a Country School" by grade-school teachers and students. The James School is also a museum of sorts, with much of the original tin wall covering, school desks, instruction books and bell still in place. The school is also being used as a picnic area, meeting place for civic organizations, weddings, family gatherings and educational activities.
