Jim Golden, long-term Chatham County Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, passed away on January 23, 2020. Mr. Golden, affectionately known as ‘Big Jim’, was born on June 12, 1935 in Bloomingdale, Georgia. He was the son of the late Willie Golden and Grace Jones Golden of Bloomingdale, Georgia.
Mr. Golden was educated in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. He was a 1954 graduate of Alfred E. Beach High School. During his tenure in high school, Mr. Golden served on the Varsity Football team and was a participant of the Track and Field teams. His athletic abilities granted him an athletic scholarship to college. Mr. Golden graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Recreation from Kentucky State College in Frankfort, Kentucky. During his matriculation, Mr. Golden played on the school’s football, track, and field teams. In 1955, Mr. Golden was the All American Midwestern broad jump Champion, second in All American Midwestern discus, and the squad’s captain. He holds the KSU broad jump record of 24 feet, 10.5 inches.
Mr. Golden was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was an active member of the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame, where he served as past President and Treasurer.
Mr. Golden served as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs for over 40 years. Some accomplishments under his leadership include: the development of Lake Mayer Park, Scott Stell Park, Jim Golden Sports Complex, McQueens Trail, Tybee Island Pier, and Tom Triplett Park. He is the author of a book titled, My Job-A Day by Day Challenge.
Furthermore, Mr. Golden was an active member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Church. He served as an usher for more than 30 years.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 61 years, Jean M. Williams Golden of Savannah, GA; four children: Jim B. Golden, of Gaithersburg, MD; Mark A. Golden, Terri Golden-Townsend, and Vickie L. Golden of Savannah, GA; one granddaughter, Jeanine C. Franklin of Chicago, IL; one grandson, Christopher J. Golden of Gaithersburg, MD; one Great-grandson, Jace Stone of Chicago, IL; sisters-in law: Helen Delores Tindal of Detroit, MI; Virginia Edwards Maynor (William) of Savannah, GA; Marcia Anderson of Atlanta, GA; Yvonne Curry (Terry) of Clarksville, TN; and Shirley Williams, of Savannah, GA; a devoted niece, Veronica Johnson of Savannah, GA; a devoted nephew, Michael Frye of Savannah, GA; a nephew, Chris Golden of Savannah GA; a devoted cousin, Betty Ann Berksteiner of Savannah, GA; devoted friends, Mr. James Holmes and Ross Albolt of Savannah, GA; and childhood friends Ron and Pete Waller of Bloomingdale, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church parishioners. Mr. Golden is preceded in death a brother, Carl Golden and sisters: Ruth Frye, Gertrude Aybar and Vernell Holley.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Rosary Service on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Adams Funeral Home. *Visitors will be received at the Rosary Service*. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 10:00am at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Church. Order flowers & Sign the guestbook using the links on our website: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Starts at 6:00 pm (Eastern time)
The Adams Chapel
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Starts at 6:00 pm (Eastern time)
The Adams Chapel
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist - Savannah
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