OBITUARY
Florida Times-Union
Published Saturday, November 8, 2008
Former Camden sheriff dies at 71
Jimmy Middleton is being described as a "sheriff's sheriff."
KINGSLAND - Former Camden County Sheriff Jimmy Middleton died Thursday. He was 71.
Mr. Middleton served as sheriff from 1977 to 1985. Prior to his election as sheriff, he served as chief deputy to Willie E. Smith, father of the current sheriff, Bill Smith.
Smith said Mr. Middleton was a lifelong friend whose legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people.
"He understood that being an effective sheriff required a close partnership with the folks he was elected to serve and protect," Smith said. "Jimmy Middleton's death is a great loss to the law enforcement community and to the people of Camden County."
Woodbine Mayor Burford Clark described Mr. Middleton as a "sheriff's sheriff" who was dedicated to his career in law enforcement and serving the public.
"He knew how to handle people and he knew how to handle the job," Clark said. "He was a man who was bigger than life itself. It's a great loss."
Sheriff-elect Tommy Gregory described Mr. Middleton as a "mentor, neighbor and friend."
Gregory said Mr. Middleton was sheriff during a time "when your nearest backup might be a county away."
"We talked about anything from law enforcement to politics," he said. "He was a real man. They don't make them like that anymore."
Gregory said longtime county residents still referred to Mr. Middleton as sheriff, "not because of his power, but out of respect."
After serving as sheriff for eight years, Gregory said Mr. Middleton owned a distribution company before retiring about 10 years ago.
Kingsland Police Chief Darryl Griffis said Mr. Middleton gave him his first job in law enforcement in 1979.
Griffis said Mr. Middleton served as a Camden County deputy at least 25 years before he was elected sheriff.
"He had, as a sheriff, a very commanding presence," Griffis said. "He taught me how to handle conflicts where they could be resolved."
Survivors include his wife, Anne Rentz Middleton of Waverly; a daughter, Debbie Middleton of Kingsland; a son, Mark Middleton of Tampa; a sister, Joyce Middleton West of Waverly; and five grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Kingsland.
=================================
Resolution of the GA General Assembly
09 LC 34 2206
Senate Resolution 507
By: Senator Chapman of the 3rd
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicating a road in his memory; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Jimmy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar P. Middleton in 1937 and he grew up in Waverly, Georgia, as the youngest of three children; and
WHEREAS, he began his career in law enforcement in 1959 and served as chief deputy under Sheriff W. E. "Willie" Smith for 18 years before becoming the Sheriff of Camden County; and
WHEREAS, as sheriff from 1977 to 1985, he understood that being effective in his position required a close partnership with the community, and his legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people for many years; and
WHEREAS, he served as sheriff during a time when your nearest backup might be a county away; and
WHEREAS, his service to his community went beyond being sheriff, as he also served as county commissioner and on various boards; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, Jimmy married Anne Rentz, and they were blessed with three children and, in turn, five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, true to his nature, Jimmy was a giving and compassionate man and his friends looked to him for leadership, guidance, and support, and he was respected and loved by countless people in the community; and
WHEREAS, he will be remembered for his loyal dedication to his family and his commitment to the citizens of Camden County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the members of this body celebrate the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicate the portion of SR 25/US 17 within the limits of the Ocean Highway in Camden County, beginning at Oscar Road (CR 266 at MP 22.12) and ending at the County Line Bridge (MP 31.56) as the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the family of Sheriff Jimmy Middleton.
(contributed by Tony Middleton)
Florida Times-Union
Published Saturday, November 8, 2008
Former Camden sheriff dies at 71
Jimmy Middleton is being described as a "sheriff's sheriff."
KINGSLAND - Former Camden County Sheriff Jimmy Middleton died Thursday. He was 71.
Mr. Middleton served as sheriff from 1977 to 1985. Prior to his election as sheriff, he served as chief deputy to Willie E. Smith, father of the current sheriff, Bill Smith.
Smith said Mr. Middleton was a lifelong friend whose legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people.
"He understood that being an effective sheriff required a close partnership with the folks he was elected to serve and protect," Smith said. "Jimmy Middleton's death is a great loss to the law enforcement community and to the people of Camden County."
Woodbine Mayor Burford Clark described Mr. Middleton as a "sheriff's sheriff" who was dedicated to his career in law enforcement and serving the public.
"He knew how to handle people and he knew how to handle the job," Clark said. "He was a man who was bigger than life itself. It's a great loss."
Sheriff-elect Tommy Gregory described Mr. Middleton as a "mentor, neighbor and friend."
Gregory said Mr. Middleton was sheriff during a time "when your nearest backup might be a county away."
"We talked about anything from law enforcement to politics," he said. "He was a real man. They don't make them like that anymore."
Gregory said longtime county residents still referred to Mr. Middleton as sheriff, "not because of his power, but out of respect."
After serving as sheriff for eight years, Gregory said Mr. Middleton owned a distribution company before retiring about 10 years ago.
Kingsland Police Chief Darryl Griffis said Mr. Middleton gave him his first job in law enforcement in 1979.
Griffis said Mr. Middleton served as a Camden County deputy at least 25 years before he was elected sheriff.
"He had, as a sheriff, a very commanding presence," Griffis said. "He taught me how to handle conflicts where they could be resolved."
Survivors include his wife, Anne Rentz Middleton of Waverly; a daughter, Debbie Middleton of Kingsland; a son, Mark Middleton of Tampa; a sister, Joyce Middleton West of Waverly; and five grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Kingsland.
=================================
Resolution of the GA General Assembly
09 LC 34 2206
Senate Resolution 507
By: Senator Chapman of the 3rd
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicating a road in his memory; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Jimmy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar P. Middleton in 1937 and he grew up in Waverly, Georgia, as the youngest of three children; and
WHEREAS, he began his career in law enforcement in 1959 and served as chief deputy under Sheriff W. E. "Willie" Smith for 18 years before becoming the Sheriff of Camden County; and
WHEREAS, as sheriff from 1977 to 1985, he understood that being effective in his position required a close partnership with the community, and his legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people for many years; and
WHEREAS, he served as sheriff during a time when your nearest backup might be a county away; and
WHEREAS, his service to his community went beyond being sheriff, as he also served as county commissioner and on various boards; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, Jimmy married Anne Rentz, and they were blessed with three children and, in turn, five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, true to his nature, Jimmy was a giving and compassionate man and his friends looked to him for leadership, guidance, and support, and he was respected and loved by countless people in the community; and
WHEREAS, he will be remembered for his loyal dedication to his family and his commitment to the citizens of Camden County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the members of this body celebrate the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicate the portion of SR 25/US 17 within the limits of the Ocean Highway in Camden County, beginning at Oscar Road (CR 266 at MP 22.12) and ending at the County Line Bridge (MP 31.56) as the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the family of Sheriff Jimmy Middleton.
(contributed by Tony Middleton)
OBITUARY
Florida Times-Union
Published Saturday, November 8, 2008
Former Camden sheriff dies at 71
Jimmy Middleton is being described as a "sheriff's sheriff."
KINGSLAND - Former Camden County Sheriff Jimmy Middleton died Thursday. He was 71.
Mr. Middleton served as sheriff from 1977 to 1985. Prior to his election as sheriff, he served as chief deputy to Willie E. Smith, father of the current sheriff, Bill Smith.
Smith said Mr. Middleton was a lifelong friend whose legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people.
"He understood that being an effective sheriff required a close partnership with the folks he was elected to serve and protect," Smith said. "Jimmy Middleton's death is a great loss to the law enforcement community and to the people of Camden County."
Woodbine Mayor Burford Clark described Mr. Middleton as a "sheriff's sheriff" who was dedicated to his career in law enforcement and serving the public.
"He knew how to handle people and he knew how to handle the job," Clark said. "He was a man who was bigger than life itself. It's a great loss."
Sheriff-elect Tommy Gregory described Mr. Middleton as a "mentor, neighbor and friend."
Gregory said Mr. Middleton was sheriff during a time "when your nearest backup might be a county away."
"We talked about anything from law enforcement to politics," he said. "He was a real man. They don't make them like that anymore."
Gregory said longtime county residents still referred to Mr. Middleton as sheriff, "not because of his power, but out of respect."
After serving as sheriff for eight years, Gregory said Mr. Middleton owned a distribution company before retiring about 10 years ago.
Kingsland Police Chief Darryl Griffis said Mr. Middleton gave him his first job in law enforcement in 1979.
Griffis said Mr. Middleton served as a Camden County deputy at least 25 years before he was elected sheriff.
"He had, as a sheriff, a very commanding presence," Griffis said. "He taught me how to handle conflicts where they could be resolved."
Survivors include his wife, Anne Rentz Middleton of Waverly; a daughter, Debbie Middleton of Kingsland; a son, Mark Middleton of Tampa; a sister, Joyce Middleton West of Waverly; and five grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Kingsland.
=================================
Resolution of the GA General Assembly
09 LC 34 2206
Senate Resolution 507
By: Senator Chapman of the 3rd
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicating a road in his memory; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Jimmy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar P. Middleton in 1937 and he grew up in Waverly, Georgia, as the youngest of three children; and
WHEREAS, he began his career in law enforcement in 1959 and served as chief deputy under Sheriff W. E. "Willie" Smith for 18 years before becoming the Sheriff of Camden County; and
WHEREAS, as sheriff from 1977 to 1985, he understood that being effective in his position required a close partnership with the community, and his legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people for many years; and
WHEREAS, he served as sheriff during a time when your nearest backup might be a county away; and
WHEREAS, his service to his community went beyond being sheriff, as he also served as county commissioner and on various boards; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, Jimmy married Anne Rentz, and they were blessed with three children and, in turn, five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, true to his nature, Jimmy was a giving and compassionate man and his friends looked to him for leadership, guidance, and support, and he was respected and loved by countless people in the community; and
WHEREAS, he will be remembered for his loyal dedication to his family and his commitment to the citizens of Camden County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the members of this body celebrate the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicate the portion of SR 25/US 17 within the limits of the Ocean Highway in Camden County, beginning at Oscar Road (CR 266 at MP 22.12) and ending at the County Line Bridge (MP 31.56) as the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the family of Sheriff Jimmy Middleton.
(contributed by Tony Middleton)
Florida Times-Union
Published Saturday, November 8, 2008
Former Camden sheriff dies at 71
Jimmy Middleton is being described as a "sheriff's sheriff."
KINGSLAND - Former Camden County Sheriff Jimmy Middleton died Thursday. He was 71.
Mr. Middleton served as sheriff from 1977 to 1985. Prior to his election as sheriff, he served as chief deputy to Willie E. Smith, father of the current sheriff, Bill Smith.
Smith said Mr. Middleton was a lifelong friend whose legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people.
"He understood that being an effective sheriff required a close partnership with the folks he was elected to serve and protect," Smith said. "Jimmy Middleton's death is a great loss to the law enforcement community and to the people of Camden County."
Woodbine Mayor Burford Clark described Mr. Middleton as a "sheriff's sheriff" who was dedicated to his career in law enforcement and serving the public.
"He knew how to handle people and he knew how to handle the job," Clark said. "He was a man who was bigger than life itself. It's a great loss."
Sheriff-elect Tommy Gregory described Mr. Middleton as a "mentor, neighbor and friend."
Gregory said Mr. Middleton was sheriff during a time "when your nearest backup might be a county away."
"We talked about anything from law enforcement to politics," he said. "He was a real man. They don't make them like that anymore."
Gregory said longtime county residents still referred to Mr. Middleton as sheriff, "not because of his power, but out of respect."
After serving as sheriff for eight years, Gregory said Mr. Middleton owned a distribution company before retiring about 10 years ago.
Kingsland Police Chief Darryl Griffis said Mr. Middleton gave him his first job in law enforcement in 1979.
Griffis said Mr. Middleton served as a Camden County deputy at least 25 years before he was elected sheriff.
"He had, as a sheriff, a very commanding presence," Griffis said. "He taught me how to handle conflicts where they could be resolved."
Survivors include his wife, Anne Rentz Middleton of Waverly; a daughter, Debbie Middleton of Kingsland; a son, Mark Middleton of Tampa; a sister, Joyce Middleton West of Waverly; and five grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Kingsland.
=================================
Resolution of the GA General Assembly
09 LC 34 2206
Senate Resolution 507
By: Senator Chapman of the 3rd
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicating a road in his memory; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Jimmy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar P. Middleton in 1937 and he grew up in Waverly, Georgia, as the youngest of three children; and
WHEREAS, he began his career in law enforcement in 1959 and served as chief deputy under Sheriff W. E. "Willie" Smith for 18 years before becoming the Sheriff of Camden County; and
WHEREAS, as sheriff from 1977 to 1985, he understood that being effective in his position required a close partnership with the community, and his legacy as a compassionate and hands-on sheriff will be remembered by many people for many years; and
WHEREAS, he served as sheriff during a time when your nearest backup might be a county away; and
WHEREAS, his service to his community went beyond being sheriff, as he also served as county commissioner and on various boards; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, Jimmy married Anne Rentz, and they were blessed with three children and, in turn, five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, true to his nature, Jimmy was a giving and compassionate man and his friends looked to him for leadership, guidance, and support, and he was respected and loved by countless people in the community; and
WHEREAS, he will be remembered for his loyal dedication to his family and his commitment to the citizens of Camden County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the members of this body celebrate the life of James H. "Jimmy" Middleton and dedicate the portion of SR 25/US 17 within the limits of the Ocean Highway in Camden County, beginning at Oscar Road (CR 266 at MP 22.12) and ending at the County Line Bridge (MP 31.56) as the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Sheriff Jimmy Middleton Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the family of Sheriff Jimmy Middleton.
(contributed by Tony Middleton)
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