James Lonnie Jerden

J.L. was loving and thoughtful. He was an example to many in life and had a unique ability to make genuine connections with people. J.L. was a scholar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, athlete, mentor, leader, successful businessman, and a sharp dresser. Of all his titles, he was most proud to be a husband, father and friend.

After graduating from Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee, he entered Rhodes College (formerly Southwestern at Memphis) where he served in many student body leadership positions. He remained very active at Rhodes throughout his life. He served on the Board of Trustees for many years.

He received his MBA from Emory University in 1960 and after serving in the Army reserves he came to Atlanta looking for work. William Pritchard hired him to work for the Aetna Insurance Company then to work for the William G. Pritchard Agency, which became Pritchard & Jerden. Over the years, the company grew and flourished and J.L. served as Chief Executive Officer of Pritchard & Jerden from 1998 until his retirement in 2013.

J.L. was recognized in so many ways for all of his accomplishments both professional and personal. In recognition of his leadership nationally in the insurance industry, he was selected by the Board of Directors of the Society of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) to serve as the organization’s president from 1985 to 1986. He was a Lifetime member of Braves 400 club, an active member of the Atlanta Touchdown Club, and a lifetime member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Sports were also a lifelong passion. After playing football at Rhodes College, J.L. became a football referee in the Southeastern Conference. In addition to football, J.L. loved golf. He began playing at the age of 9 years old and was known as “Freckles” at the local golf course in Memphis. His love of the game was a constant throughout his life. He played in and helped organize a number of Pro-Am Tournaments for charity and served for 20 years as an organizer, director and chairman of the Atlanta Golf Classic (AGC), benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, at the Atlanta Country Club, serving as president from 1988 to 1989 and took his family to numerous University of Georgia Football games, Atlanta Braves games and countless other events over the years.

J.L. loved travelling, country music, children, sports, and having fun with family and friends. He also loved his church, where he served in many capacities.

J.L.’s family includes his wife Jane Jerden and children Susan and John Isakson, Jim and Monica Jerden, Eddie and Ali Jerden, and eight grandchildren who called him “Gipps”.

Two sisters, a brother and several cousins, nieces, and nephews survive him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northside Drive Baptist Church at 3100 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 or the Charles Daniel Joyner, IV Memorial Fund at Georgia Southern University. Contributions by check may be made payable to Georgia Southern University Foundation in memory of Charles Daniel Joyner, IV (Charley Joyner) or mailed to Georgia Southern University Foundation, P.O. Box 8053, Statesboro, GA 30460 or gifts may be made online at http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/give" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.georgiasouthern.edu/give.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 on Saturday, May 6th at Arlington Cemetery at 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 on Saturday, May 6th at Northside Drive Baptist Church at 3100 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 followed by a reception at 4:00. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.