James Thomas “Jimmy” Black, age 85, of Demorest, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Born in Clarkesville on July 10, 1939, Mr. Black was the son of the late Thomas L. and Oma Gastley Black. After high school, he attended Young Harris College, Piedmont College, and the University of Georgia. Mr. Black was an educator, coach, and school principal in the Habersham County School System until his retirement. He was an avid golfer, gardener, Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldog Fan. Mr. Black adored his grandchildren and enjoyed following them through their sporting endeavors. Mr. Black was in the Habersham County Hall of Fame for basketball and the Habersham Ring of Honor for football, as well as a national champion in the World Heart Games. He was a member, a deacon, a past Sunday school director, and a head shepherd for Wednesday Night Suppers at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Black is preceded in death by brothers Jerry Black and John Larry Black and sisters Margaret Cruce, Carolyn Landrum, Beverly Coffer, and Barbara Green.
Survivors include his wife Linda Jean Hill Black of Demorest, son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Beth Black of Anderson, South Carolina; daughter and son-in-law Kristi B. and Mike Dickman of Ball Ground; sister Beth Black of Clarkesville; grandchildren Gibson Black (Elizabeth) of Greenville, South Carolina, Maggie Black of Charleston, South Carolina, Lexi Dickman of Ball Ground and Livi Dickman of Ball Ground, brothers in law Michael Hill (Lawonda) of Clarkesville, Brad Hill (Vicki) of Chiefland, Florida, and Everett Landrum of Clarkesville, sister in law Linda Gail Black Marshall (Hayward) of Clarkesville as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Rev. Bobby Gastley and Rev. Matthew Butler officiating. Interment will follow the service in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 5-8 PM.
Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church Debt Retirement, PO Box 488, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to caregivers Dr. Stuart Sanders, Amanda Vandergriff, Brenda Chambers, and to special angels Cindy Hogsed and Sean Walker.
An online guestbook is available and may be viewed at HillsideMemorialChapel.com
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.
