James Lawrence Eaton, Jr.

James “Jim” Lawrence Eaton, Jr., 72, of Waycross, GA passed away Friday, December 9, 2022 at Satilla Hospice House following a lengthy illness.  He was born October 2, 1950 in Folkston, Georgia.  He attended West Georgia College and received his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State College.  He served as a deputy sheriff in Dekalb County, GA, as an investigator for the Charlton County Sheriffs Department, as a Parole Officer for GA Pardons and Paroles where he served as Chief of the Waycross and Jesup offices.  He retired following 34 years of service.  He was awarded the “Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer” for Blackshear/Pierce County in 1992 and was awarded the “Billy Murphy Award” by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as officer of the year in 1994.  Jim enjoyed family and friends, spending time at Ormond Beach, hunting and fishing, his Prescott Farm, and the joy of raising cows.  He was a member of the Belvedere United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA.

He was preceded in death by his father:  James Lawrence Eaton, Sr.; his grandparents:  Kelly Arthur & Lollie Mallard Eaton and Thomas & Eva Harris; his great grandparents:  L.E. & Agnes Mallard and Simon & Annie Prescott.

He is survived by his wife:  Rita Lee Eaton; a step-son & daughter-in-law:  Brent & Katie Wheeler; his mother:  Inez H. Moore; brother:  Thomas “Tommy” K. Eaton; sister & brother-in-law:  Carolyn E. & Mark Hinson; grandchildren:  Aurie Wheeler and Will Wheeler; many nieces and nephews and other family members. 

A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 PM at Corinth Cemetery with Pastor Shelton Rowell officiating.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Thompson, Charles Polk, Charles Johns, J.B. Johns, Joe Hopkins, Craig Renshaw, Mark Thrift, Weyland Yeomans, Jimmy Woodard, James Vanlandingham, Raymond Smith, Doyle Wooten and C. Dean Strickland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Satilla Hospice House, 811 Beacon Street, Waycross, GA 31501 or Corinth Cemetery Fund, c/o Shirley Wainright, 4898 Riverside Road, Nahunta, GA 31553, or the Folkston United Methodist Church, PO Box 396, Folkston, GA 31537

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, Georgia 31537.