It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James Birbidge “Jimmy” Strickland Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
He was born at home in Brantley County, with a Patterson address. He graduated from Patterson High School in 1957, served in the Army National Guard and spent his career with BellSouth (formerly Southern Bell) in Waycross, retiring as a supervisor in 1991.
He lived most of his life in Blackshear, where he and his wife, Carol, raised their family. Later, they enjoyed 25 wonderful years in Cobb, on the banks of Lake Blackshear before moving to Baxley in June of this year to be closer to their son and daughter.
He loved fishing, sharing stories from his years at the phone company, spending time with family and serving others. He enjoyed staying busy and was a natural problem solver, rarely encountering a project or challenge he wasn’t willing to tackle.
Known affectionately as “Papa” by his grandchildren, extended family, and many friends, he had a quick wit and a teasing nature, always accompanied by his signature sideways grin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Birbidge Dillworth “B.D.” Strickland; mother, Florene Echols Strickland; step-mother, Fannie Aldrich Strickland; sister, Glenda Strickland Guest; two step-sisters, Clara Guest Howard and Alice Guest Hand and a step-brother, Kenny Guest.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 61 years, Carol Walker Strickland; his children, Jeannie Strickland Morris (Calvin) and James “Eric” Strickland (Lisa); seven grandchildren, Morgan Strickland, Allena Thomas, Carrie Morris Hunter (Joshua), Brittany Strickland, Caroline Morris Mallow (Jacob), Sydney Strickland and Jake Strickland; and two great-grandchildren, Xavi Thomas and Jesse Hunter; his sister, Ilene Strickland; one step-sister, Grace Guest Douglas; one step-brother, Harry Guest and many nieces and nephews, of whom he was very proud.
He was a loving husband, a hardworking father who instilled strong values, and a loyal friend who found joy in helping others. His legacy of service, humor and love will live on through all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, from the Alma Christian Fellowship, 602 North Dixon Street, Alma. Please come as you are for this casual, non-traditional service and fellowship, just as Jimmy would have wanted.
An open microphone will be available for anyone wishing to share stories, memories or ways Jimmy touched their life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Alma Christian Fellowship Church.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home of Baxley.
