James P. "Jimmy" Culpepper

Life’s game clock struck 00:00 for retired educator/coach/athlete James Pleasant “Jimmy” Culpepper, Jr., of Calhoun GA, on February 8, 2023.  Left to carry on is his co-coach of 60 years, Patsy Ann Laster Culpepper and children, Tanya Renee Culpepper (Rick) Taylor of Hamilton GA, Cynthia Janienne Culpepper (Steve) Floyd of Hawkinsville GA, Melissa Dawn Culpepper (Rich Levy) of Chattanooga TN, and James Pleasant “Chip” (Jen) Culpepper III of Calhoun GA.  They will be assisted by grandchildren Richard A. “Bucky” (Stephanie) Taylor of Manhattan KS, R. Aaron Taylor of Beatty, NV, Rory A. Taylor of Macon GA, Ryan A. Taylor of Macon GA, R. Austin Taylor of Tucson AZ, Crystal J. Floyd (Jarred Cornell) of Abbeville GA, Stephanie M. Floyd (Jonathan) Harris of Musella GA, Autumn N. Floyd of Perry GA, Sara E. Jarvis of Chattanooga TN, Tyler J. (Sofia) Jarvis of Chattanooga TN, Kyle C. (Taylor) Jarvis of Bonaire GA, James P. “Cody” Culpepper IV, and Seth G. Culpepper both of Chattanooga TN, and Madison (Chase) Rogers of Griffin GA.  In reserve are great-grandchildren Ryder Taylor of Manhattan KS, Carter and Cameron Jarvis of Bonaire GA, Stevie Harris of Musella GA, and Nollie and Fathom Rogers of Griffin Ga.

Jimmy was born October 6, 1940, in Vardaman MS to James P. and Sarah Embry Culpepper.  Siblings were Robert Embry Culpepper and Sally Ellen “Christy” Culpepper Chupp, nephew Gregory Chupp and niece Margaret Chupp.

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, his sister and brother, who died at birth.

He was a graduate of Meigs High School, Middle Georgia College and received both bachelors and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University.  He also studied at the University of Georgia, the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida.  He was a Dean’s List student.  He competed in football, basketball and track in both high school and college.

Coach Culpepper was a life-long educator, serving 45 years as a full-time staffer and volunteering an additional 5 years.  He spent 12 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology, serving in many capacities.  He was the first full-time Director of Intramural Activities and the first women’s basketball coach as well as the women’s Athletic Director.  He also coached freshman football, track, and women’s tennis.  He served as Director of Athletics and head of the Physical Education Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester MA.  He served several secondary schools as coach, counselor and teacher.  As a coach he produced several championship teams and individuals.

After retiring from education in 2007, Jimmy competed in Masters/Senior Track and Field, winning state championships in the shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, hammer throw, long jump, triple jump, and 50-meter dash in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.  He earned All American honors in the discus throw and was presented the Sportsmanship Award by the Georgia Golden Olympics.  Jimmy earned over 200 medals in his Senior Olympics career.

The family would like to thank Homespun Hospice- Wendy, Terri, David, Lisa, and Stacy for their outstanding care, tenderness, patience, and sensitivity with Dad.  While he was exceptionally smart, confident and witty, it took special people to appreciate his humor and Homespun nailed it!

Jimmy came into this world kicking and screaming, lived life to its fullest and was loved by many.  His clock may have struck 00:00, but his legacy will live on forever.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send cards with your favorite memories of Coach Culpepper to Tanya Taylor – 4708 Rosemont Dr., Columbus, GA 31904 or Chip Culpepper – 172 Honeysuckle Dr., Calhoun, GA 30701, or donations to the Friends of Morningside Cemetery Trust Fund, P.O. Box 156, Rochelle, GA31079.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11 ^th , in the M.G.  Frazier Memorial Chapel of Frazier & Son Funeral Home, Rochelle, GA, with Randy Garrett, Lenoris Daniels, and Clay Hartley officiating.  Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 pm. prior to the service in the chapel. Interment will be at Morningside Cemetery, Rochelle, GA.

Frazier & Son Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign our on-line registry at www.fraziersonfuneralhome.com