James Keith Little

James Keith Little, age 61, of Jackson, GA, passed away at his home on March 14, 2021. He is survived by his son, James Allen Little; his daughter-in-law, Lawson (Shack) Little; and grandsons, Henry James Little and Jackson Landon Little.

He was born November 16, 1959 to Dwight Eugene Little and Hilda Elizabeth (Arnold) Little. Following his parents’ death when he was two years old, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Amy and Henry Arnold and his grandmother Bernie Esten Powell. He is predeceased by his parents; grandparents; aunt and uncle; his sister Deborah Ann (Little) Roan; and his brothers Daniel and William Little.

James Little, Jim, was a graduate of John Carroll High School, near Birmingham, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Montevallo University and his Master’s and Specialist degrees in Education from Georgia Southern University.

A devoted musician, Jim began playing his saxophone in high school. At an early age, he began going to concerts by artists of all musical formats. Three Dog Night, Billy Preston, Charlie Daniels, and the Eagles before high school, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Chuck Mangione before graduating, and Drum Corps International World Championships and his Senior Instrumental Recital: Ibert-Aria, Eccles-Sonata for Alto Saxophone were only a handful of musical performances that inspired him. He relished comparing the styles and incorporating what he learned into his own performances. As he became more prolific in marching, concert, and jazz band, he realized that music education would allow him to share all of these elements.

At work, Jim was diligent, cheerful, and always ready to help others. He introduced beginning elementary students to the world of music, carried them through middle school, and on to high school with marching and concert bands. Jazz band, pep bands, parades, show design, and musical arranging were all aspects of the job that Jim loved. He had great praise for his students. He touched hundreds of lives each year and many of his own students have become professional musicians and master teachers themselves. He taught students in Alabama at Notasulga High School and Pelham High School. In Georgia, he taught students at Treutlen County, Richmond Hill, Irwin County, Wheeler County, East Laurens, Jackson High School, and Veterans Memorial Middle School.

As much as he enjoyed bringing music to his students, his most consistent musical critiques were with his son, James. Jim shared his eclectic appetite for classical to rock and roll; pop to grunge with James, which was quite impactful for his son. Countless road trips to music festivals were interspersed with fishing, camping, and golf. As soon as the grandchildren were old enough, the travel club widened. Friends also accompanied him to New York, Denver, Italy, Ireland, France, and more. Jim made memories with everyone who surrounded him and documented so many excursions with his ever-present camera. Jim was a connoisseur of culture from Andy Griffith to an Iranian Film Festival. He was conversational and provided insights on multiple topics, urging others to share their opinions. He wanted to know what everyone thought and strove to get the most enjoyment out of each moment, whether he was a doting grandfather at Sunday lunches or a spectator at the Masters. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and in turn, let them know that they were very important to him as well.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gift of Music Foundation at www.giftofmusic.org

or Henry For Music at www.henryformusic.org

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions at this time, family and friends are encouraged to leave a memory, tell a favorite story, or share a kind word or condolence on the Dignity Memorial website.