James Edward Wimpye, 82

Mr. James Edward Wimpye, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of God, entered eternal rest on August 30, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Gordon and Fannie Wimpye. James was born on November 22, 1942, in Gainesville, Georgia, to the late Mr. William Gordon Wimpye and Mrs. Fannie Wimpye. He was raised alongside his brother, William Odell “Du-Bug”Wimpye, and shared a sibling bond in love with Trish “Pat” Jackson. A proud graduate of EE Butler High School, James cherished his education and the friendships he made there. It was also at EE Butler that he met the love of his life, Bernice Harbin Wimpye, with whom he shared 59 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a legacy of love, faith, and family, raising six children: Sarita (Steven) Marshall, Steven (Meltera) Wimpye, Odell (Kunka) Wimpye, Tyrus Wimpye, Omah (Sonya) Wimpye and Tyra Wimpye. James’s pride and joy extended to his grandchildren: Steven Jr. (Leticia) Wimpye, Tylor Marshall, Kacie Williams, Triston Wimpye, Malcolm Wimpye, Tyasia Wimpye, Nyla Wimpye, Madison Wimpye, Destiny Wimpye, Omah Wimpye Jr., and Konnor Wimpye, as well as his four great-grandchildren: Kataleya, Izabella, Camila, and Jace Wimpye. He was loved by a host of nieces, nephews and friends. His family was the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. James was a faithful member of St. John Baptist Church, where he humbly served in many capacities. He was a proud member of the Male Choir and Angelic Voices Choir, a dedicated servant and respected leader on the Trustee, Usher and Deacon Boards. His service to the church was a reflection of his deep love for Christ and his commitment to living a life of faith. He was also an active member of the Fair Street–Butler Alumni Association, proudly keeping alive the bonds of his alma mater. Outside of his service and family life, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching and reciting western movies, and spending time surrounded by his large circle of family and friends. His friendships were deep and enduring, marked by loyalty and shared joy. James ( Fat) Thomas stood by him as a lifelong friend, hunting buddy Carlton Faulkner and close friend Jimmy Cantrell. He was also blessed with friends in heart and faith, Mr. & Mrs. Donald and Georgia Roach. James Edward Wimpye will forever be remembered as a follower of Christ, faithful husband, loving father, supportive friend, and the toughest cowboy North Georgia will ever see. He has traded his boots for wings, his horse may be still, but his legacy rides on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.