Rev. Dr. James ‘Jim’ Soles

Published 5:47 pm Monday, December 2, 2013

Rev. Dr. James ‘Jim’ Soles, 80, of Swainsboro, Ga., died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, at the University Hospital in Augusta, Ga.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the Peebles-Curry Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Robert Blankenship, the Rev. Paul Leigh and the Rev. Warren Gilpin officiating. Interment will be in the Swainsboro City Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Blankenship officiating. Pallbearers are Jimmy Bartels, Dale Johnston, Tim Perez, Bob Peters, Matt Kearns and Rob Wilson.

He was a native of Adrian, Emanuel County, Ga., and lived many years in Miami, Fla. He was area administrator for the Miami Campus of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home for 24 years, January of 1971 through October of 1995. His family said that he believed, “No Man Ever Stands So Tall as When He Stoops to Help a Child”. He was ordained on Aug. 7, 1977; he was director of the Florida Group Child Care Association from 1983-1989; he received his Doctorate in Philosophy in July of 1991; and he was trustee for Palm Beach Atlantic College from 1990-1994. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, was a past Kiwanis club member for more than 25 years, and was a member of the Swainsboro First Baptist Church. His hobbies were woodworking and painting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Dewey and Gladys Roberts Soles.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Nila Helton Soles of Swainsboro, Ga.; one daughter, Carol Valentine of Pinson, Ala.; one son, Keith Soles of Miami, Fla.; two grandchildren, Kate McGuire and Claire Valentine; and numerous extended family.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home, today, Dec. 3, from 6 until 8 p.m.

Contributions may be made to The Florida Baptist Children’s Home, Miami Campus, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, Fla., 33802.

Condolences may be submitted online at www.durden-hudsonfuneraldirectors.com and www.moultrieobserver.com.

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors has been entrusted with arrangements.