BAXLEY, Ga. — It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jimmy” Birbidge Strickland on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
He was born at home in Brantley County with a Patterson address. Strickland gradu ated from Patt erson 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, Ga., on the banks of Lake Blackshear before moving to Baxley in June of this year to be closer to their son and daughter.
Strickland 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,
Strickland
extended family, and many friends, Strickland had a quick wit and a teasing nature, always accompanied by his signature sideways grin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Birbidge Dillworth “B.D.” Strickland and Florene Echols Strickland; stepmother, Fannie Aldrich Strickland; sister, Glenda Strickland Guest; two stepsisters, Clara Guest Howard and Alice Guest Hand; and one stepbrother, Kenny Guest.
Strickland is survived by 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. He is also survived by his sister, Ilene Strickland; one stepsister, Grace Guest Douglas; one step-brother, Harry Guest; and many nieces and nephews, of whom he was very proud.
Jimmy 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 was held on Tuesday, November 25 at Alma Christian Fellowship, 602 North Dixon Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Alma Christian Fellowship Church.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home, Baxley, Ga.
