James "Jim" Dorsey Poole

Jim Poole was born in Langdale, Alabama on February 13, 1960 to Annie Jo Bowles and Hugh Dorsey Poole. Jim departed from earth to his heavenly home on June 14, 2023. His memorial service will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Following the memorial service will be a catered reception at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary for friends and family to celebrate the life of Jim.

Jim married the love of his life, Linda Jean Huff-Poole to whom he stayed faithfully married to for 36 years. Jim was an intelligent man who excelled in everything he put his mind to. He maintained an honor student status from elementary school until graduating from Lanett High School in 1978, and continued to maintain an honor student status through college while obtaining his bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. After college, Jim became a reporter at LaGrange Daily News, Georgia, then became a Bureau Chief for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in LaGrange and later became a Business Editor for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and moved to Columbus, Georgia. After leaving the newspaper, he became key advisor to Aflac Chairman Dan Amos for over two decades. His footprints, or “duckprints” will forever be instilled at Aflac where he supported and grew the business. He was a principled person whose dry wit and quiet approach had a way of keeping everything in perspective. Not only was Jim an extraordinary business man, but he was a man of God and showed his faith through his daily life. Jim loved sports of all kind, especially baseball, tennis, football, and golf. He really enjoyed reading, fly-fishing, deep sea fishing, photography, cooking, and grilling. Jim was known for his ability to strike a deal, as well as his passion for traveling the world, especially with his wife by his side. Linda has many beautiful memories of traveling extensively in the continental United States, Canada, Japan, and England that will remain in her heart forever. Jim found peace and serenity near the water and was often found beside a lake, river, stream, or ocean. Jim will be deeply missed by the many people who know and love him. His beloved wife has reflected on his legacy with the following quote from the book Letter to a Grieving Heart by Billy Sprague:

“If you could be here now,

I think I know you would say-

‘Don’t cry for me

I’m home and safe.’

Let all the tears that fall here

Turn to diamonds in God’s hands-

Bright offerings

From life’s Shadowlands”

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Jean Huff-Poole; Brothers, Don Patrick (Wanda), Joe Poole (Cheryl); Sister, Lisa Davis; and Step-son, David Downs (Shelly).

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Annie Jo Bowles and Hugh Dorsey Poole; beloved Aunt “Sis” Ward; and Brother, Ray Poole.

Flowers will be accepted at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary or a donation can be made in honor of Jim to the First Baptist Church TV Ministry, P.O. Box 828, Columbus, Georgia, 31902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Poole family.