Obituary for Rev. James B. Austin
Rev. James B. Austin Jr. was the third child born to the late Elder James and Mrs. Edith B. Austin in Decatur County. He was affectionately known by family and friends as “Sonny”, “Teach”, “James B., and “Sonny Boy. “ He answered the call to eternal rest Friday, August 30, 2019, at Archbold Hospital, Thomasville, Georgia. He made a sudden departure from this life while wife Mamie who had been by his side the entire week until the end.
Rev. Austin married his “childhood sweetheart” Mamie Taylor Austin June 5, 1964 (fifty-five years, two months, twenty-five days). He was the proud father of three children, Michael, Jeanette, and Jody.
He confessed Christ at an early age. He served faithfully at Bethel A. M. E. until health failed but continued to generously support mentally and financially. He was called to Ministry in 2005 and served as Pastor at St. John A.M. E. Church in Climax, Georgia until his health failed. Seven siblings preceded him in death: Louise Douglas, Geraldine Carter, Evelyn Tyler, Shirley Shaw, Jonathan Austin, Dr. Caesar Austin, and Irvin Smith.
Being the ambitious person, he graduated valedictorian from Attapulgus Vocational High School in 1954. After high school he enrolled at Morris Brown College and majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. He served as an educator for the Decatur County School System for 45 years. He used his God-given gifts and talents to impact lives and his community. He was a very generous philanthropist. He was one who did not like to gloat over accolades or accomplishments but a few are noted to help inspire young people as well as others:
Educational Training
A.B. Degree with a major in Biology-- minor Chemistry;
M.S. Degree in Biology-Atlanta University.
DA-5 Certificate in Administration-FAMU Tallahassee, FL;
Post Graduate; Administrative Internship-FAMU Tallahassee, FL;
Specialists Degree, Administration and Supervision-Troy State Univ., Troy Alabama
Diploma in Christian Ministry
Master Diploma in Pastoral Ministry
Associate of Theology Diploma
Educational Impact
Attapulgus-Mt. Moriah HS; Science Teacher 1958-63/ 1964-1970;
Bainbridge High School Assistant Principal 1970-1979
Curriculum Director-Decatur County Board of Education 1979-2003
Principal at Lillian E. Williams Elementary School (LEW) 1983-2003
Teacher-Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (PSAT)
Professional and Social Organizations:
National Association of Educators
Decatur County Association of Educators
Georgia Association of Educators
Georgia Association of Educational Leaders
2nd District Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals- District Director
Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Director Bainbridge Quarterback Club
Church Affiliations:
Bethel A.M.E. Church Member-Attapulgus, Georgia
Chairman Steward Board
Chairman Laymen’s Organization
Class Leader #4
Sunday School Teacher
Honors and Awards:
Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Society
National Science Foundation In-service and Summer Institute-Albany State College
National Science Foundation Academic Year and Extended Summer Fellow-Atlanta University
Grand Marshall MLK Day Jan. 2019
Numerous Awards
He leaves to cherish his precious memories: a devoted and dedicated wife Mamie T. Austin, one devoted son Michael B. Austin (Letitia), Two loving daughters Jeanette Grimsley (Jason) and Josephine Hadley, all of Bainbridge, GA., a loving sister Marilyn A. Wade of Attapulgus, GA. His loving grandchildren Talisha Hodges (Arindall), Taylor Austin, Jocelyn Grimsley, Hadley Barthel, Jaiana Grimsley (Papa’s “sweet baby”), Corbin James Austin (Papa’s main man) and one great-grand, Braylen Joseph, all whom he loved and cherished dearly. Two sisters- in- laws Willie Ruth Smith of Americus, GA and Christine Austin of Atlanta, GA. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorrowing friends, and Mark Freeman a dedicated caring and loving caregiver.
Read More
Rev. Austin married his “childhood sweetheart” Mamie Taylor Austin June 5, 1964 (fifty-five years, two months, twenty-five days). He was the proud father of three children, Michael, Jeanette, and Jody.
He confessed Christ at an early age. He served faithfully at Bethel A. M. E. until health failed but continued to generously support mentally and financially. He was called to Ministry in 2005 and served as Pastor at St. John A.M. E. Church in Climax, Georgia until his health failed. Seven siblings preceded him in death: Louise Douglas, Geraldine Carter, Evelyn Tyler, Shirley Shaw, Jonathan Austin, Dr. Caesar Austin, and Irvin Smith.
Being the ambitious person, he graduated valedictorian from Attapulgus Vocational High School in 1954. After high school he enrolled at Morris Brown College and majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. He served as an educator for the Decatur County School System for 45 years. He used his God-given gifts and talents to impact lives and his community. He was a very generous philanthropist. He was one who did not like to gloat over accolades or accomplishments but a few are noted to help inspire young people as well as others:
Educational Training
A.B. Degree with a major in Biology-- minor Chemistry;
M.S. Degree in Biology-Atlanta University.
DA-5 Certificate in Administration-FAMU Tallahassee, FL;
Post Graduate; Administrative Internship-FAMU Tallahassee, FL;
Specialists Degree, Administration and Supervision-Troy State Univ., Troy Alabama
Diploma in Christian Ministry
Master Diploma in Pastoral Ministry
Associate of Theology Diploma
Educational Impact
Attapulgus-Mt. Moriah HS; Science Teacher 1958-63/ 1964-1970;
Bainbridge High School Assistant Principal 1970-1979
Curriculum Director-Decatur County Board of Education 1979-2003
Principal at Lillian E. Williams Elementary School (LEW) 1983-2003
Teacher-Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (PSAT)
Professional and Social Organizations:
National Association of Educators
Decatur County Association of Educators
Georgia Association of Educators
Georgia Association of Educational Leaders
2nd District Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals- District Director
Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Director Bainbridge Quarterback Club
Church Affiliations:
Bethel A.M.E. Church Member-Attapulgus, Georgia
Chairman Steward Board
Chairman Laymen’s Organization
Class Leader #4
Sunday School Teacher
Honors and Awards:
Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Society
National Science Foundation In-service and Summer Institute-Albany State College
National Science Foundation Academic Year and Extended Summer Fellow-Atlanta University
Grand Marshall MLK Day Jan. 2019
Numerous Awards
He leaves to cherish his precious memories: a devoted and dedicated wife Mamie T. Austin, one devoted son Michael B. Austin (Letitia), Two loving daughters Jeanette Grimsley (Jason) and Josephine Hadley, all of Bainbridge, GA., a loving sister Marilyn A. Wade of Attapulgus, GA. His loving grandchildren Talisha Hodges (Arindall), Taylor Austin, Jocelyn Grimsley, Hadley Barthel, Jaiana Grimsley (Papa’s “sweet baby”), Corbin James Austin (Papa’s main man) and one great-grand, Braylen Joseph, all whom he loved and cherished dearly. Two sisters- in- laws Willie Ruth Smith of Americus, GA and Christine Austin of Atlanta, GA. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorrowing friends, and Mark Freeman a dedicated caring and loving caregiver.
To plant a tree in memory of Rev. James B. Austin, visit the Tribute Store.
Cemetery Details
Location
Bethel AME Church Cemetery
207 E. Griffin Ave.
Attapulgus, GA 39815
Loading...