James A. "Jim" Gill

1938 - 2025

James "Jim" A. Gill

May 31, 1938 - August 26, 2025

Carrollton, Georgia - James "Jim" Arthur Gill, a devoted community and servant leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. Born on May 31, 1938, in Columbus, Georgia, Jim's journey was marked by unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and making the world around him better.

Jim's path was one of leadership woven with generosity. After serving in the Army Security Agency, stationed in Asmara, Eritrea during the 1960s, he returned home to start his life in banking after a stint as a semi-professional baseball player. He spent more than five decades with Synovus, serving as President and CEO for Citizens Bank and Trust for more than 20 of those years after he and his family moved to Carrollton, Georgia in 1984. Through times of growth and change, he inspired hope in others and worked tirelessly to strengthen the community's financial well-being. His warmth, sense of humor and drive made him a trusted partner to employees, business partners and the community alike.

Jim's impact reached far beyond the boardroom. From Sertoma International, where he rose to the role of International President, to Rotary where he received "perfect attendance" for 41 years, he believed in the power of connection and the results of rolling up your sleeves to help. His volunteer spirit touched countless lives through his work with Tanner Health, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow, Carrollton Payroll Development Authority, University of West Georgia, Boy Scouts of America, Advancement for Remarkable Citizens, and many others.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Cook Gill; their children, Shannon Gill Dayhoff (Dwight) and James Arthur Gill, Jr. (Kristen); and his grandchildren, James Arthur Gill, III and Adair Jane Gill. He was a beloved brother to Gerald (Jerry) Rister Gill, Charles Woodrow Gill, and Judy Gill Lovett (all deceased). He was also preceded in death by his parents, William R. Gill and Margaret Lillian Jones Gill. He has 7 nieces and 1 nephew along with beloved cousins in Pelham Georgia where he spent summers. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. The family would like to express extreme gratitude to the community for its rally around Jim over the years and for the support and love shown during these last few years especially.

His story was recently celebrated in West Georgia Woman Magazine. To read about his accolades and a more in-depth history, visit: https://westgeorgiawoman.com/issues/august-2025-magazine-issue/.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church in Carrollton on Thursday September 4 at 2 p.m., where Jim was a member. A celebratory reception will immediately follow at Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Jim and Cheryl Gill Sertoma Endowment Fund to support initiatives such as the Fantasy Baseball camp for hearing impaired children and other local Sertoma Projects. Mail a check to Sertoma - Jim and Cheryl Gill Endowment to 720 Main Street, Floor One, Kansas City, MO 64105 or via Venmo CarrollCounty-SertomaClub-1 and make a note for Jim and Cheryl Gill Endowment.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.