James Garvin Walden

James Garvin (Jim) Walden, of Clayton, Georgia, passed away September 7, 2015 at the age of 80. He was born in Waynesboro, Georgia, July 10, 1935. He was educated in Jefferson County schools and later volunteered for the draft with the U.S. Army where he served honorably. He attended Georgia Teacher’s College, now known as Georgia Southern University and later received his Master’s Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University.

Jim married Sandra Davidson July 3, 1970. Jim was employed by the Palm Beach County School District from 1963 to 1995 as a much loved middle school teacher. . Upon retirement, Jim and Sandra moved to Clayton where they proceeded to begin their next venture in opening a unique business selling puzzles and educational toys in Dillard, Georgia for several years.

He actively served in Rabun County chapters of DAV Chapter 15 as Chaplain and Treasurer, VFW Post 4570 as Chaplain and American Legion Post 220 as the Commander. He was the organizer of the Rabun County Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner. Jim was also instrumental, upon seeing a need to honor Rabun County’s fallen heroes, in reinstating a ceremony which recognized the families of these brave
Soldiers.

Jim’s passion for reading and his love of gardening were favorite pastimes, but his devotion to God and the love of his family were foremost. He was an active member and served as an Elder at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church for the past 20 years.

He is survived by the love of his life, Sandra Davidson Walden, with whom he recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. He is survived by daughters, Katherine Louise Walden Barron and Mary Elizabeth Walden Lassiter (Tal). He is also survived by grandchildren, Cameron Barron (Sarah), Hannah Barron Anderson (Rosson), William Lassiter, Emma Lassiter, Olivia Barron, and a great grandson, Bryce Barron.

He is survived by brothers, John Walden (Carey) of Athens, Georgia and Collins Walden(Donna) of Stapleton, Georgia and nieces and nephews, Jennifer Walden Abbott, Elizabeth Walden, Reese Walden and Bret Walden. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Fares Walden and Elise Collins Walden.

A memorial service in celebration of the Resurrection will be held Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 2:00pm at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hunter Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia. Please sign the online guestbook at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com .

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Legion Post 220, PO Box 403, Clayton GA 30525-0011 with attn.: Graveside American Flag Placement Fund