James Robert Black

Dr. Black was born in Griffin on December 20, 1950. He received his BS and MS degrees from the University of Georgia in Athens and was awarded a PhD at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He enjoyed music and playing guitar, was a sports enthusiast and an avid reader. He also was an expert photographer and produced many beautiful photos throughout the years. James was a very talented chef and had owned and operated his restaurant, James’ Brass Lantern, in Griffin. He also worked as a computer systems analyst for Delta Air Lines in Atlanta and for MCI in Colorado Springs. He later worked as a security contractor for Honeywell in the Middle East.

Dr. Black was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Grady Emmet Black and his sister, Nancy Elizabeth Black. Survivors include his daughter, Elizabeth Rhodes of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter, Preslie Rhodes of Jacksonville; mother, Jean Black of Griffin; sisters & brothers-in-law, Linda & Rudy Craddock of Griffin and Tricia & Reggie Osbon of Macon. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins. James also leaves behind many good friends.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Haisten McCullough Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. The family would like to encourage any friends or family who have special memories of James, to share those during the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested for those who wish, to make a donation in James’ memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 4530 Park Rd. #240, Charlotte, N.C. 28209 or the University of Florida College of Medicine, P.O. Box 100235, Gainesville, FL 32610-0235.

Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. is in charge of arrangements.