James A. Colquitt

James A. Colquitt, the Epitome of a Southern Gentleman, age 91, died Monday, February 15, 2010. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mayes Ward Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be Thursday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Marietta in the Sanctuary. Rev. Sam Storey and Dr. Bill Ross will officiate. Mr. Colquitt was born in Thomaston, Georgia on December 3, 1918. He moved to Marietta in 1947. He married the former Betty Medford of Marietta in 1946 shortly after returning from the War in Germany. He was predeceased by his parents, Abby and Pearl Colquitt and brother Adrian Colquitt. He is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Ginger Autry, daughter Cathy Kampa and husband Richard, granddaughter Whitney Mallon and husband Chad, granddaughter Merrill Autry, niece Camille Peeples and family of Valdosta and special friend Rosa Bell (Topsy) Phillips. He was lovingly attended by his caregivers Ruby Harrison, Barbara McClinton and Kevin Hughes. He graduated with honors from Robert E. Lee Institute in Thomaston, Georgia. He then took a post graduate course at Georgia Military Academy (now known as Woodward Academy) in College Park, Georgia. He continued his education at the University of Georgia where he majored in business administration. While at GMA, he became the first cadet to make officer during the year and received the titles Adjutant of the Cadet Corps and Best Cadet Officer. He was awarded the highest honor being named Master Cadet. On campus is a marble plaque inscribed: "1936, Trophy Winner, Division of Military Schools, Fourth Corps Area USA - National Rifle Champion, James Colquitt". Colquitt was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army in 1941 and served as a paratrooper in the Airborne Troops. His leadership abilities contributed to his being chosen as an aide to President Truman during World War II. He participated in five major campaigns and received one French and five U.S. decorations. He was in the army of occupation in Berlin and in charge of entertainment at the Potsdam Conference in July/August of 1945. He secured such celebrities as Bob Hope and Mickey Rooney for the activities. His commanding officer was General Lucius D. Clay of Marietta. During the Conference he had many conversations with Generalissimo Joseph Stalin, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Dwight Elsenhower, General Omar Bradley and General George Patton. He was honored to have a close friendship with President Truman who he considered one of the finest men he had ever known. Truman once asked "Jimmy" if he had a girl back home and Colquitt readily flashed a picture of Betty Medford dressed in a Daisy Mae costume. Six months later at a meeting in the White House President, Truman asked Jimmy "How is Daisy Mae?" In a conversation with Stalin, he was asked where he was from. "Georgia" , he replied proudly. "So am I", said Stalin. After his marriage to Betty, he worked for her father. Earl Medford in the insurance business. He later bought the company and operated James A. Colquitt, Inc. for many years. He was a member of many insurance associations. In 1951 he was elected to the Governing Board of Georgia Military Academy and served as Chairman of the Board from 1957to 1982. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of GMA in 1969. During his many years of service to the school, the school name was changed to Woodward Academy. He was honored by the naming of the Colquitt Rifle Team, Colquitt Stadium and the Colquitt Student Hall. In 2004 the James A. Colquitt Scholarship Fund was established to recognize his significant impact on the Academy. He was a founding member and president of The Atlanta Country Club. He was a Director and President of the Atlanta Golf Classic. He was president of the Marietta Country Club and enjoyed many a rounds of golf there with his friends. He served as Highlands Country Club president from 1983 to 1985. His term was during a pivotal time in the history of the HCC. Under his direction the purchase of Highlands Country Club by the membership became official. His passion was the University of Georgia and their athletic programs. He became a Trustee of the Student Education Fund in 1949 providing solid leadership and generous support for the University's athletic tradition. For over 50 years he was a tireless worker on behalf of the University by providing volunteer assistance to coaches and others in support of the dreams and ambitions of young men and women who participated in intercollegiate athletics. In the best tradition of loyal and true support of UGA he was the founder and former president of the Cobb County Bulldog Club which became the model for future clubs now located throughout the Southeast. On March 23, 1992, Charles Knapp, President of the University of Georgia named that day "Jimmy Colquitt Day" to express the heartfelt appreciation and many years of service to his Alma Mater. Every Saturday of football season. Jimmy could be found in Athens or wherever the Dawgs were playing in his red sport jacket and custom made red and black alligator shoes. The shoes were his trademark. He made his mark in the civic community of Marietta. He was president or director of many organizations - Marietta Kiwanis Club, the Civil Service Board, Kennestone Hospital Guild, the Horace Orr American Legion Post, First National Bank of Cobb County and The Georgian Club. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of Charter Bank and Trust. He was an active member of The First Baptist Church of Marietta. He served on many banking and hotel boards throughout the Southeast. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was devoted to his wife and girls. He was always there to encourage, lead and guide them. He was their friend not just their husband, dad or granddad. He never met a stranger and was blessed to have many wonderful friends. Jimmy was always quick to lend a helping hand, advice or a shoulder when needed. He greeted people with a strong handshake, a wonderful smile or quite often a wink. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many. Contributions may be made to the Cobb County Humane Society or the Center for Children and Young Adults.