James G. "Jim" Peak

James G. “Jim” Peak, 75, of Bainbridge, GA passed away February 12, 2026.

James Garner Peak was born March 14, 1950, in Louisville, KY, the son of Frank and Peggy VanLandingham Peak. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. He was a licensed CPA in the state of Kentucky. He was a past member of the Rotary Club and Lions Club and was a proud Mason. Jim was Baptist by faith.

Jim’s professional journey began in public accounting as an auditor with Touche Ross & Company before becoming a Senior Internal Auditor for Aetna, Inc. He later transitioned into hospital administration, where he faithfully served communities across Georgia and Texas for decades. He held leadership roles including Assistant Administrator and Controller at Lifemark Hospital in Humble, Texas, and at Coffee Regional Hospital in Douglas, Georgia. He went on to serve as Administrator of Jeff Davis Hospital in Hazlehurst and Perry Hospital in Perry, Georgia. For the final 18 years of his distinguished career, he served as Hospital Administrator at Memorial Hospital & Manor in Bainbridge, where his steady leadership and commitment to healthcare left a lasting impact.

A respected leader in his profession, Jim served on the Regional Policy Board of the American Hospital Association and on the AHA Health Strategies Council for Georgia. He was Chairman of the Georgia Hospital Association and served as District Chairman and member of numerous councils. He chaired the Georgia Alliance of Not-for-Profit Hospitals and Shared Services for Southern Hospitals on multiple occasions, while also contributing to several committees and task forces for the Georgia State Health Planning Agency.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was a man of wide-ranging interests and deep loyalties. He was a lifelong, enthusiastic supporter of the Kentucky Wildcats, rarely missing a game and always believing “this is our year.” He enjoyed the imaginative adventures of Doctor Who and never outgrew the fun of Mario proving that you’re never too old for a good game and a little friendly competition. Traveling the world with Bettie and spending time with his children and grands topped the list for “best day ever.”

Jim’s legacy is one of integrity, leadership, humor, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear. Never one to sit back and always one to crack a joke at the most opportune moment, Jim Peak will live on as a legend in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Bettie Dempsey Peak; his sons, Jason Peak (Dene) and Jefferson Peak (Lesley); his grandchildren, Noah & Alex; and his siblings, Debbie Higgs (Max) and Rick Peak (Lorraine). In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his fraternal twin children.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. www.samaritanspurse.org/donate