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.
As we mourn the loss of a man who could only be described as “the best”, our community remembers the impact he had on the lives he stood beside…
Former Habersham County Superintendent Judy Forbes: “When I think of Jimmy Black, I think of one who was loved and admired by everyone who came in contact with him. He was honest and fair to all and a peacemaker. 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. I taught with him in my first teaching assignment at Habersham Central. I worked with him when he was a principal and I was working in the central office. 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.”
Cindy Hogsed: “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. Jimmy and I 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.”
Paula Cobb Gibson: “This makes me so sad. He was my first principal when I began teaching in Habersham County and he was such a wonderful man.”
Barbara Strain: “What an influence on so many lives, including mine. Fly high coach!”
Anthony Lawrence: “The ones that created the lifetime achievement award should have reached back in time and This Man should have been the first one to receive it. He set a standard that not many, if anyone, will ever reach.”
Milt Underwood: “Best Coach I ever had and one of the best men I’ve ever known. God Bless you, Coach. We love you and your impact on our lives will last far beyond what any of us can imagine.”
Ronnie Forrester: Such a humble man who genuinely cared about his fellow man.”
Debbie Whitfield: “Coach Jimmy got me through algebra. Such a great coach and man.”
Former Principal of Clarkesville Elementary Bruce Forbes: “I was saddened to learn of Jimmy’s passing. He was a mentor to me 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. Jimmy was a compassionate teacher and coach. He wanted to win at almost everything he did, especially games. He had a huge impact on everyone he had contact with. Jimmy has now won the ultimate race. He is with his Lord and Savior in Heaven. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.”
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
