James 'Jim' Terry Fordham

James Terry (Jim) Fordham departed this life on the 27th day of September, 2025 to be with his Heavenly Father. Jim was born in Griffin, Georgia on March 13, 1942, the eighth child born to Aubry Zorn Fordham and Ella Kendrick Fordham. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Herman Zorn Fordham, William Jack Fordham and Aubry Donald Fordham; sisters Doris Fordham Stitcher, Claris Fordham Ison, Ruby Fordham Nelson and Shirley Fordham McGee; son John Kendrick Fordham; and granddaughter Aubry Judson Keith.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Rita Ritchey Fordham; daughters Grace Fordham Keith (Scot) and Mary Fordham Bready (Cameron); grandchildren Ella Keith, Samuel Bready, Thomas Bready, and Catherine Bready; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Jim graduated from Griffin High School in 1960, where he was an All-State Quarterback and Captain of the football team, All-State Pitcher and Captain of two state championship baseball teams, and a forward on the basketball team. Upon graduation from high school, Jim received an offer to pitch professionally with the Baltimore Orioles, but chose to attend Furman University on an athletic scholarship until a shoulder injury ended his athletic career. He transferred to the University of Georgia where he continued his affiliation with Kappa Alpha Fraternity and made many lifelong friendships. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1964. He attended the University of Georgia School of Law for one year, but with educational funds depleted and the US draft calling, he joined the US Marine Corp at Parris Island, SC. He served actively stateside and then in the reserves.

Jim married his high school sweetheart Rita Ritchey in 1966 and returned to the University of Georgia School of Law to complete his legal education, graduating in June of 1969 with a Juris Doctor Degree. He then joined the McCamy Law Firm in Dalton.

Jim enjoyed a successful law practice for over 50 years. He was authorized to practice in all Georgia courts, the United States Fifth Circuit Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. He concentrated on personal injury, workers compensation, wills and estates, and general corporate law. He was appointed and served as judge pro tem of the Whitfield County Superior Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, and Magistrate Court.

Jim was a member of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army and was instrumental in developing the SHARE program with Dalton Utilities that was designed to help low income families pay their utility bills. He was also on the board of the Cancer Society and the Heart Fund.

Jim was an avid UGA football fan, often emailing Kirby about play selection. He loved all college football, spending most fall Saturdays in front of the TV.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising cattle on his farm. He was happiest mowing his fields on his John Deere tractor. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren at the farm, teaching them to drive the Gator, fish, shoot clays and enjoy the outdoors. He attended many soccer games, softball games, recitals, plays and horse shows, always supporting his grandchildren in their endeavors.

He was a member of the Dalton First United Methodist Church for over 50 years and, along with his wife Rita, became a founding member of the River Community Church in 2023.

Jim was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and loyal friend. He will be remembered for his humor and quiet generosity that enriched the lives of many, as well as his work ethic and dedication to his clients, many of whom became close friends. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at the River Community Church, 2410 Cleveland Hwy, Dalton, GA 30721 on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00. Visitation will begin at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to one of Jim’s favorite charities:

Smile Train, 633 3rd Ave 9th floor, New York, NY 10017 (Smile Train - Donate Now and Change a Child's Life)

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 (St. Jude’s - Donate today to give them tomorrow)

St. Labre Indian School, 112 St. Labre Campus Drive, 115 W 1st St, Ashland, MT 59003 (St. Labre Indian School - Give Now)

The River Community Church Missions, 2410 Cleveland Hwy, Dalton, GA 30721 (The River - Online Giving)

Condolences and messages of sympathy may be expressed for Mr. Jim Fordham's family through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.