James Russell Huffman

James Russell Huffman, 87, died Monday, August 29, 2016. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, September 1 at 11 a.m. at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street with the Rev. Creede Hinshaw officiating. Burial will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim’s life may be made to the Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens, Middle Georgia State University, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Jim was born on May 24, 1929, in Middletown, Ohio, but grew up in a suburb of Middletown, where he excelled in sports and academics. He attended Denison University on both academic and athletic scholarships. He was proud of the fact that the football coach his freshman year was Woody Hayes, who was in his second year of coaching. He followed the career of the legendary coach throughout the coach’s life. Following the death of his father, Jim was unable to continue his university studies at Denison, so he enlisted in the Air Force and served throughout the Korean War (1950-1954). He spent almost the entire war stationed in the Pacific. Following his discharge, Jim went to work at Gentile Air Force Depot in Dayton, Ohio, where he continued working in electronic warfare in which he was trained during his Air Force service. In 1959, he married Joan E. Brewer, a summer intern whom he met at Gentile Air Force Depot. While working, he attended the University of Dayton, where he graduated in Electrical Technology in 1962. He was transferred to Robins Air Force Base the same year, where he spent the rest of his 35 years still working in electronic warfare. He enjoyed being a member of the Old Crows Association while there. In 1982, Jim was recognized as the Middle Manager of the year for the Air Force. During these same years, he also completed another degree in Accounting from Georgia College and State University. Following his retirement, Jim was employed by TRW as a logistics engineer, still working at Robins Air Force Base. After a second retirement following ten years with TRW, Jim went to work with his daughter, Jean H. Peterson, as founders and owners of Picture Perfect and The Invitation Library. He was still the Treasurer of this company when he died.

Jim was also a member of the Jefferson Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons in Middletown, Ohio, and was a member of Idle Hour Country Club for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Owen Martin Huffman and Marie Everman Huffman. He was also preceded in death by his older brothers and sister, Essie Mae Blevins, Al, Huffman, and Bill Huffman.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan, and two daughters, Jean Peterson and her husband, Johnny of Macon; Jill Potter and her husband, Albert of Shippensburg, PA. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jack Peterson, Ellie Peterson and Rutledge Potter. And he is survived by a sister-in-law, Nina Curley of Dayton, Ohio, and a niece and nephew, Kim Supensky and Doug Brush and their children.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.