James B Hiers JR

James B. Hiers, Jr, a respected and beloved figure in the Atlanta legal community, a third generation Atlantan, and a proud graduate of Mercer University and Emory Law School, passed away peacefully at his home on Aug. 24. More than anything, James embodied the warmth, grace and character of a true Southern gentleman.
Family and friends of young James (Jim) were certain he would grow up to become a home builder. After all, his father and grandfather were highly successful home builders, even building the home where Jim was raised on Ridgecrest Road in Druid Hills. Seeing Jim work summer construction jobs in the blazing hot Georgia sun reinforced their belief that Jim was a budding homebuilder. But fate had other plans.
Even as a youngster, Jim's ambitious nature was evident. His initiative led him to a summer job as an "office boy" at what is now Alston & Bird, a prestigious Atlanta law firm. It didn't take Jim long to realize a summer office job without wheelbarrows and shovels was a far better arrangement than digging cement footers all day. Jim performed a variety of tasks at Alston & Bird, including a brief stint on the switchboard until puberty intervened. He even played cards with a few of the staff during lunch breaks. That summer job, in a friendly and weather-free environment, left a life-altering impression on him -- one that changed the course of his life.
An Atlantan to the core, Jim was born at Piedmont Hospital on Nov. 5, 1927 - a monumental year in American history that saw Charles Lindberg's first solo successful transatlantic flight and the release of the first "talkie" movie, The Jazz Singer. Those who knew Jim well would argue his birth was yet another monumental occurrence in that remarkable year. Before moving to Ridgecrest Road, Jim's family lived in the Morningside area, where he attended E. Rivers Elementary School. Jim concluded his pre-college school years at both Druid Hills Elementary and Druid Hills High School, where he graduated in 1945. He remembered paying a nickel fare to catch the city bus to high school.
Jim was still in high school when he and a few of his buddies took a trip to the recruiting station on Ponce de Leon Road to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Never mind that Jim was not yet 18, he was in the Navy now, and there was no going back. Following boot camp and weeks of training, Jim's unit was transferred to Naval aviation gunnery school in Memphis. Jim joined the boxing team in Memphis and remembered "mixed results". One memorable evening, Jim's unit was informed they were now part of the Fleet Marines and would take part in the massive, planned invasion of Japan. Thankfully for scores of soldiers, sailors, and airmen, the planned invasion never occurred. The dropping of the atomic bombs in early August 1945 may very well have saved hundreds of thousands of American lives, including Jim's.
Jim's unit was transferred to Savannah, where he experienced an unexpected bonus in joining the U.S. Navy: He learned to drive. The commander of the naval base ordered Jim to drive the military station wagon across town to pick up needed materials. When Jim explained he had yet learned to drive, he was told, "I'm not interested in your problems, son. Go get those materials, and do it now!" Given no other choice, Jim learned to drive that afternoon in a station wagon with a "three on the tree" transmission. Letting the commander down was simply not an option.
Jim attended Mercer University in Macon on the G.I. bill, and it was a love affair with the university for him from the beginning, and in more ways than one. Earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 was just the start. As Jim's career progressed through the years, he never forgot the Mercer Bears. Jim was ultimately awarded both of the university's highest alumni awards: The Meritorious Service Award in 1965, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999. But his proudest achievement by far was serving on the Athletic Board of Directors and becoming a driving force in welcoming football back to Mercer's campus in 2013, after a 72-year hiatus.
Jill Kinsella, long-time Mercer connection and current Vice President for University advancement, had this to say about Jim: "Jim was the epitome of a true Mercerian. His connection with the University and support for our students remained steady throughout his lifetime. He was a dear friend to many and will be dearly missed."
Unknown to Jim in 1950, he was on the cusp of experiencing the true magic of Mercer in his life. Barbara Jones graduated from Miller High School, an all-girls school, in Macon in 1949. She attended Mercer for her freshman and sophomore years, where she pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It was during a chaperoned Alpha Delta Pi summer trip for fraternities and sororities to Saint Simons Island that Barbara fell head over heels in love with the man who would become her husband for over six decades. The two had such a blast on their first encounter together that Jim insisted Barbara break her already arranged Saturday night date and go out with him instead. When the poor fellow asked why she was breaking the date, she blurted out, "Because I'm in love, that's why!"
Barbara and Jim married on her 21st birthday at the First Christian Church in Decatur. Having landed a position as a claims adjuster with Liberty Mutual, Jim's working career was already underway. He had just completed an assignment in Alexandria, Louisiana, when he learned his next stop would be hot and humid Memphis. Thus, Jim and Barbara's 66-year marriage began in a rented Memphis apartment in August, without air conditioning. Jim often said, "We would go to the movies on Saturdays and Sundays, no matter what was showing, just to survive."
The newlyweds eventually returned to Georgia, settling in Decatur. They were living at the University Apartments when Jim jumped at the chance to purchase a starter home on Wayland Circle in Brookhaven in 1953. He met the realtor in the front yard and immediately said, "We'll take it." The realtor asked why he didn't want to see the home first. Jim said he would check it out as a formality, but his decision was final - Jim and Barbara were moving to Brookhaven. With so many young couples and children moving into the neighborhood, the 1950s were a special time on Wayland Circle.
Jim had now entered the busiest time of his life. In addition to full-time employment in the insurance field - first with Liberty Mutual, and later with American Surety and Southern General - he was also attending law school at Emory University in the evenings. Jim, who was never blessed with patience, then pulled off a rare feat - he passed the Georgia Bar Exam prior to earning his law degree. Soon after graduation from law school, Jim made the transition from insurance to practicing law full-time in 1958. He was a highly regarded attorney at the firm Smith, Swift, Currie & Hancock when he took a leap of faith -- one that ultimately set him on the course to tremendous success in the Atlanta legal community.
In October 1965, Jim joined Frank Swift, Warner Currie and Glover McGhee to form the law firm of Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, which is celebrating its 60th year this 2025. Jim brought an insurance background and expertise to the new firm, having served as Vice-President and Claim Manager for Southern General Insurance Company. He became a renowned expert in various areas of defense practice, trying hundreds of workers compensation cases and jury trial cases throughout his career. In 1981, he co-authored Georgia Workers Compensation Law and Practice, updated annually since, which has been and continues to be used by Georgia Lawyers as a reliable resource.
He was actively engaged in and led several organizations locally and nationally, including serving as President of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, and having leadership roles in the Defense Research Institute. Upon slowing down from active practice, Jim became a sought-after mediator, not only because of his depth of experience, but because of his ability to relate and communicate so effectively with both sides of a legal dispute. Jim provided inspiration to the lawyers at Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers over these many years, particularly at the 45th, 50th and 60th celebrations of the firm. He was the model of civility and professionalism for generations within and outside of the firm he helped found in 1965.
James McDonald, Jim's closest friend and law partner at Swift, Currie, McGhee and Hiers since 1968, shared the following: "Jim Hiers never settled for second. As a result, he experienced an unmatched very successful career, leaving behind an indelible legacy for those like me who followed him."
Robert Potter, Jim's longtime law partner, provided the following tribute to Jim: When I joined Swift, Currie, McGhee and Hiers in 1977, Jim Hiers was the face of the firm in law and claims organizations, locally and nationally. He was a respected, well known senior partner of the firm. I was not. By and by, he asked this third-year associate to co-author a book with him - not for me to ghost write or help him write a book that he would author, and maybe mention me in the foreward - but to co-author with him. That was the deal. His deal. Thus, became the Hiers and Potter book on workers compensation, updated annually since, that accelerated my career. It was a gift of kindness for which I remain grateful."
As Jim's longtime legal career with the firm wound down, he launched a successful career in mediation with Hennings Mediation and Arbitration Services. It was at about this time that Barbara and Jim made the decision to relocate in the mid-1990s to a beautiful Victorian home in Cleveland, Ga. The home was built in 1906, and its greatest attribute was arguably its wrap-around porch which offered a stunningly picturesque view of Mt. Yonah. Jim and Barbara often said their 26-years in Cleveland was their happiest time. Matt Hiers, Jim's oldest grandchild, said dinners with his grandfather in Cleveland were his favorite memories of "Papa." "He used to crack us up at dinner with his stories and jokes. Papa had a terrific sense of humor," Matt said.
Jim rarely, if ever, joined an association where he didn't eventually assume a leadership role. In addition to the many legal associations he led, several others come to mind - including the North DeKalb Jaycees, Druid Hills Civic Association (where he helped launch the still-going annual Druid Hills Tour of Homes), the Community Helping Hands Clinic in Cleveland, and the Resident Council at the Renaissance Senior Living community, where Jim resided for almost seven years following Barbara's passing in 2018. Jim also served on the United States Draft Board during the Vietnam War and as a church elder at Emory Presbyterian Church in the 1960s.
Barbara and Jim were blessed to live in many fine homes in the Brookhaven, Druid Hills, Buckhead and North Springs area of Atlanta. Of all the homes, their all-time favorite Atlanta home was located on Lullwater Road in Druid Hills, near the Emory University campus, where they lived in the mid-1960s. Jim and his family enthusiastically agreed that some of their best Christmases and Easter's happened on Lullwater Road. The family left their treasured Lullwater Road home in 1968 for one reason: Jim had become so overcommitted to the community and church that he came home one evening and told Barbara, "We've got to get out of here!"
The First Presbyterian Church in downtown Cleveland was an integral part of Jim and Barbara's life. Jim helped found the church and served as Clerk of the Session for more than 20 years, while Barbara served as a Stephen Minister and sang in the choir for many years. Jim very much enjoyed opening each Sunday service with the morning announcements.
Family meant the world to Jim, and he took great pride and joy in his three children - Bo, Jan and Chris - as well as his three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All held a special place in Jim's heart.
One of Jim's great-granddaughters, Audrey Hildebran, perfectly captured the immense love the family felt for their Papa: "My sweet great-grandfather gained his angel wings Sunday afternoon. I have so much peace knowing he is rejoicing with the Lord. He loved his family dearly and was never a stranger to anyone he met. He will be missed tremendously. What a great life he lived!"
Mr. Hiers swung for the fences in every endeavor he undertook - and more often than not, he tore the cover off the ball. Godspeed, Dad.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Jones Hiers. He is survived by his children: James B. Hiers III (Dianne), Janet Hiers Baker (Teddy), and Christopher Candler Hiers (Beth). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew Christopher Hiers (Whitney), Catherine Leigh Miller (Mark), and Melissa Hiers Brady; as well as his great-grandchildren: Audrey Leigh Hildebran, Joel Lawrence Hildebran, Kate Walsh Loggins, and Fletcher Andrew Hiers.
A service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 147 N. Main St., Cleveland. Visitation at 10:30.
Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, 147 N. Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528.
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland