James JERNIGAN Sr.

JERNIGAN, Sr., James James F. Jernigan, Sr. (Jim), age 89, died March 1, 2014 at Hospice Atlanta after a lengthy illness. There will be a Memorial Service at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Friday, March 21 at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour before. Jim was a true Renaissance man: husband, father, successful businessman, athlete, artist, singer, soldier, avid golfer, tournament bridge player, active "retiree." He was a native Atlantan and the middle brother of the three Jernigan boys (Allen and Frank). He grew up attending Druid Hills United Methodist and singing in the choir along with his bride-to-be, Eloise Adkins, who he married in 1947. He attended Boys High School and Georgia State and during World War II served as Navigator in the U. S. Army Air Corp. Afterwards, Jim received his AB in Law at Emory University, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the tennis team, glee club and all intramural sports. He had a distinguished 38-year career at Sears, Roebuck and Co., culminating as Directors of Public Relations and then Customer Relations/Service for the Southern Territory. After retiring, he worked as a consultant and fund-raiser for non-profits, including Oral Health America (GSTEP) and Reinhardt University, serving as Coordinator of Ministerial Relations for some 20 years. His favorite benefits were the golf tournaments he organized. Jim was a 58-year member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and served in many laity roles, including as Administrative Board Chair. He also served on the Boards at Wesley Homes, Simpsonwood and the Salvation Army and was a volunteer for many organizations, including Atlanta United Way, Atlanta Executive Service Corp and the Buckhead Business Association. He was a long-time active member of Cherokee Town & Country Club. Jim was always a gentleman. He was cheerful, generous, caring, and a strong family man with strong Christian values. He felt keenly that one should continue to grow in their Christian Faith and Spirit, a journey that never ended. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Dr. J. Fletcher Jernigan, Jr., and his brother, Frank B. Jernigan, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eloise Adkins Jernigan, his daughter, Jane Jernigan Wilson (Chuck), his daughter-in-law, Cordelia Brumby Jernigan and his brother, Rev. Allen O. Jernigan. Also surviving are five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and nine nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church or Reinhardt University. A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.