Habersham County is mourning the loss of longtime educator and coach Jimmy Black. Black passed away on Sunday, December 22. He was 85.
Fondly referred to by many as “Coach Jimmy,” Black was an educator, coach, and school principal in the Habersham County School System until his retirement. During his time as principal at Clarkesville Elementary School, he helped shape the lives of many young children and mentored student-athletes on and off the court and field.
A native of Habersham County, Black was a devout Christian who dedicated his life to serving his church and the county’s youth. He was inducted into the Habersham County Hall of Fame for basketball and the Habersham Ring of Honor for football.
Tributes to beloved coach
Former Habersham County School Superintendent Judy Forbes says she remembers Black as a man who was loved and admired by everyone who came in contact with him.
“He was honest and fair to all and a peacemaker,” says Forbes of her former teacher and colleague. “I knew him first as a student at North Habersham High School where he taught math and coached many sports. He touched lives and made the kind of differences we all hope for when it comes to our children.”
Forbes taught her first teaching assignment with Black at Habersham Central High School and later worked with him when she was superintendent and he was a principal.
“When he retired, parents and students came from far and wide to talk with him and wish him well. It is hard to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to a community. A selfless servant, he is in the presence of Jesus. But we will still miss Jimmy Black.”
Forbes’ husband, Bruce Forbes, succeeded Black as Clarkesville Elementary School principal. He says Black was a compassionate teacher and coach who mentored him, “but more than that, he was a friend.”
“Jimmy loved his family. He was always talking about Linda Jean, Kevin, and Kristi and how proud he was of them.”
Another family friend and fellow educator, Cindy Hogsed, says, “Jimmy had a heart of gold! He touched so many lives including mine and my two sons! Jimmy and Linda Jean were the first ones my son Jeremy wanted to invite to his wedding.”
Hogsed says she and Coach Black talked about dying.
“We both said we wanted to go to sleep and wake up in the arms of Jesus. He got his wish. Jimmy was so easy to love! He was a gentle giant. His legacy will live for many years.”
Others have shared similar sentiments on social media about what a special man Coach Jimmy Black was.
Paula Cobb Gibson says the news of his death “makes me so sad. He was my first principal when I began teaching in Habersham County and he was such a wonderful man.”
“Best Coach I ever had and one of the best men I’ve ever known,” says Milt Underwood, adding that Black’s impact on his life and many others “will last far beyond what any of us can imagine.”
“Coach Jimmy was my friend because he took time to talk with me and cared about me,” Joseph York expressed. “I will miss him very much but have many fond memories. He loved football as much as I do.” York was a former Habersham Central High School student and continues to assist in coaching the Raider football team.
Funeral service
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, December 27, at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, at Hillside Funeral Home in Clarkesville.
Coach Jimmy Black is survived by his wife, Linda Jean, their son and daughter, and four grandchildren.
James Thomas “Jimmy” Black obituary
