James "Pitbull" Searcy

James Kimble Searcy, 59, of Griffin, Georgia, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 18, 1965, James attended Fayette County High School and worked over 30 years as a respected welder for LTI. James started powerlifting for The WNPF in 1993 and was on the 1996 Olympic Powerlifting team. James was known to the powerlifting community as "Pitbull". He will leave behind a legacy of strength, as one of the greatest powerlifters to have ever graced the platform with squats records over 1000 pounds raw and drug-free and deadlifts over 900 pounds. Most days, you could find him at Tucks Gym helping his "Team Pitbull" clients and friends reach their goals or telling unforgettable stories. While some frequented the gym for his wisdom of lifting, many came for the friendship that embodied the legend known as "Pitbull". If you were lucky enough to call him a friend, then you knew he was fiercely loyal to the ones he loved, a protector, had an infectious laugh, an unmatched gift of motivation and always unapologetically himself. His absence will leave a void in the community where he was so deeply admired and loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Wheatley, Magnolia "Nora" Lowe Wheatley and Leverne Searcy Murray, twin brothers Nathan and Nathaniel Wheatley and son, Brandon Kyle Searcy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kim Martin Searcy; sons, James Tyler Searcy (Evelin) and Dylan Miller; daughter, Naomi Palmatier; grandchildren, Sadie Searcy, Zeus Searcy, Savi Morell, Jasper White, Jaxon Searcy, Treasure Miller, Emilia White, and Mateo Searcy; brothers, Jesse Murray, Anthony (Damesha) Murray, Chip Edalgo; sister, Sandra Searcy; mother-in-law, Regina Sampler; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Clisha Beck and Malcolm Dukes, Tuck and Kristen Smith, Brett and Ashleigh Upson; and the entire "Team Pitbull" family.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at the First Baptist Church of Griffin, followed by a 12:00 service in the sanctuary. Chaplain Jim Weathers will officiate.