James Reynolds Hallford

James Reynolds "Renie" Hallford died suddenly on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born in Lumber City, Georgia, to Nell Carroll and Ernest Reynolds Hallford. He attended North Habersham High School, Clarksville, Georgia, then the University of Georgia, where he received his bachelor's, master's, and specialist in education. He later obtained his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He proudly served as Lieutenant in the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army in Fort Riley, Kansas. Then he devoted his life's work to education in the DeKalb County School System. He began his career as an English teacher at Tucker High School, later becoming assistant principal then principal. He was the first principal of Redan High School, then advanced ultimately to the position of Superintendent of DeKalb Schools. He was a member of and served in leadership roles in many civic and community organizations of importance to him such as being President of the Rotary Club of Tucker and a Paul Harris Fellow, President of the Twinless Twin Support Group International, and Vice President of the Georgia Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. He also served on the boards of the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center, the DeKalb Historical Society, the DeKalb Council for the Arts, Leadership DeKalb, and in 1997, was awarded "Mr. DeKalb" by the American Heart Association. In addition to his cherished and countless friends and family, he loved the University of Georgia, his cows and farm in Habersham County, and was proud of his service to his country and community. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved twin brother, Ernest Lamar Hallford. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, LeAnn Rimstidt Hallford, his children Ren (Karen) Hallford, Tryllis (Ed Bazar) Hallford, his grandsons Indy and Reyn, sisters Marcia, Patty and Lisa, nieces, nephews, and extended family, which includes many special friends (you know who you are!).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity or the Decatur Presbyterian Church, where he was active as a deacon, on the pastoral selection committee, and a member of the Crusaders Sunday school class.

His celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, October 28, at 3:00 pm, at Decatur Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow.