Jimmy Thrift of Columbus, Georgia died on October 1, 2020 at the age of 71. He was a loving father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. Jimmy was born on April 6, 1949 in Columbus, Georgia to the late James Thrift and Helen Breedlove Thrift. He was a graduate from Jordan Vocational High School. Jimmy faithfully served his country with the United States Army. He was married to the late Barbara Jean Hammond Thrift. They made Columbus home with two daughters, Sheenah and Jennifer. Jimmy has worked for the past 22 years at Shaw High School where he had become a familiar face for staff and students alike.
Jimmy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family beyond words. His grandsons were his world. He had a heart of gold and it shined with compassion for others. Those who knew Jimmy knew that under the rough exterior was where his heart of gold shined, he would help those less fortunate than himself. Jimmy had a passion for vintage automobiles, his favorite was an old late model pickup truck. He loved to visit the East Alabama Motor Speedway on the weekends. Jimmy also had a soft spot for animals, he didn’t hunt nor fish because he didn’t want to harm any animal. Jimmy’s love and compassion for others will be greatly missed by all who knew him and especially loved him.
He is survived by his two daughters: Sheenah Henk (Brian) and Jennifer Thrift Bowen (Jimmy Austin); two grandsons: Keith Henk and Sean Henk. Jimmy is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Thrift.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM in the Wildwood Room at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, Georgia. On Monday, October 5, 2020 at 12 Noon a graveside funeral service will be held in Parkhill Cemetery with Military Honors.
To share a fond memory and condolences with Jimmy’s family please visit www.shcolumbus.com.
