Charles Brady James Jr.

Charles Brady James, Jr., of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away on March 16th, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born March 26, 1944, in Harris City, Meriwether County, Georgia. He was the son of Charles Brady James, Sr., and Laura Lucille Temple James. Having grown up with sisters, he was the next to youngest of seven siblings. In his youth, he was a key contributor for the operations of his family’s gas station and general mercantile store in Harris City. He leaves behind his daughters, Laurie Grace James Firor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Heather Bohrer Chappell of Atlanta, Georgia; his granddaughters, Chloe Grace Chappell of Atlanta, Georgia, and Sophia Rose Chappell of Savannah, Georgia; his sister, Nancy Lucille James Bell, of Merritt Island, Florida; mother of his children and former spouse, Laurie Alison Hyatt, of Gainesville, Georgia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, many (beyond) in-laws, friends, and so many additional loved ones. Preceded in death by his son, Charles Brady “Trey” James III, his parents, as well as five sisters and their spouses: Dorothy James and William “Bill” Wiley, Barbara “Dilsey” James and Joe Glazier, Sr., Elizabeth “Betty” James and R.B. “Jim” Willingham, Peggy James and Cecil R. Pearson, Sr., Laura James Deese. Brady graduated from Greenville High School in Greenville, Georgia, where he excelled in baseball (notably 1st base) and, in his senior year, he was awarded “Star Student” not only of the school and County, but also of the region for his academic and extracurricular achievements such that he was invited to observe the State Legislative Sessions. He then went on to sing in the choir at West Georgia College where he double-majored in History and Education, followed by gaining his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling, Masters Certification in Administration, and Specialist in Education (EdS) Postgraduate Degree, all from Georgia State University. Brady served with teaching faculty and coaching staff at numerous secondary schools across the State. While in graduate school, he started teaching at Atlanta Area Technical School (now Atlanta Technical College). He then went on to Marietta-Cobb Area Vocational Technical School where he soon became the Director of Evening Programs. Although the School was only one campus when Brady came on board, he made vital contributions in opening several new campuses across the region which eventually led to rebranding as Chattahoochee Technical Institute. He transitioned from Educator, to Administrator of Facility Operations, then Vice President of Economic Development, and later Executive Vice President. Brady also played a key role in the Institute’s accreditation as well as mergers with two other colleges to become Chattahoochee Technical College. Under his leadership prior to retirement, Chattahoochee Tech became and still remains the largest technical college in Georgia. Brady was a wonderful father and was happiest spending time with his family. He adored his children wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Brady created a myriad of meaningful and happy memories for those who knew and loved him that will last their lifetimes. Brady kept people rolling in laughter because he could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances. Brady’s pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met. He could bring a smile to your face and laugh along at you and with you. Brady was also an incredible story-teller. He had many tales to tell that will live on in infamy. Brady will be sorely missed and forever remembered. Brady’s life and afterlife are to be celebrated. In his final days, like in all his years, he reminded us that he was a man of incredible strength, compassion, patience, kindness, and faithfulness. He was ready to be with God. Celebration of Life services for Charles Brady James, Jr., will be led by his dear friend, Reverend Al Baker, and are scheduled for Monday, March 20, 2023. Visitation begins at 10am with Funeral Services at 11am at Mayes Ward- Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church St NE, Marietta, Georgia 30060 (770-428-1511, www.mayeswarddobbins.com). Graveside services will occur at 3pm at Harris City Cemetery, 591 Cedar Rock Road, Greenville, Georgia 30222. Although flowers are appreciated, Brady was an extremely generous gentleman who always thought of others before himself. Charitable donations are preferred to organizations that benefit the community. Some of Brady’s favorites: • Reformed Evangelistic Fellowship: https://www.refglobal.org • Running Strong for American Indian Youth: https://indianyouth.org • Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Charles Brady James Jr.

March 26, 1944 - March 16, 2023