James Atkinson Prescott Jr.

James Atkinson Prescott, Jr., 90, of Columbus, GA passed away on October 4, 2015 at his residence under the loving care of his family and caregivers. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 9, 2015, 1:00 P.M. in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, GA 31907. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. A private interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery.

“Jim” Prescott, son of the late James and Carrie Riley Prescott, was born on May 30, 1925 in Wrens, GA. He enjoyed growing up on the farm with his two brothers. After high school, Jim attended Brewton Parker College then enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. He served as an officer on a minesweeper in the Pacific.

After the Navy, Jim graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master’s Degree in Dairy Science at the University of Illinois. On June 9, 1950, Jim walked down the aisle to receive his Masters' and the following day walked down the aisle to marry his Illinois sweetheart, Jeanne Runyan. The newlyweds settled in Columbus, GA where they had 53 wonderful years together.

At this time, Jim began his 43 year career at Kinnett Dairies and later became the Executive Vice President. Through the years he was involved in all facets of the business and was instrumental in bringing the Baskin-Robbins franchise to the southeast. Jim valued the unique company and the way the team collaborated with each other and his special relationship with the Kinnett family.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was known as “Pa Jim” to his family. He was a devoted Christian and member of Rose Hill Baptist Church for 65 years, where he served as Deacon Chair, Sunday School Director and in other service roles. Jim loved to garden, fish, hunt, travel, UGA football and spending time with family and friends. He was active in Kiwanis Club, Friday Friars and on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

Jim was a remarkable man who loved deeply and patterned his life around his Christian faith and service to others. Even in recent years with many health issues, he continued to live his life with enthuasim and looked for ways to serve. His sense of humor, interest in others and love for people and his Lord will continue to inspire us.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanne. He is survived by his daughter Margie Swint (Ruben) of Snellville, GA; and son, Tommy Prescott (Nancy) of Columbus, GA; grandson Christopher Swint of Gainsville, GA; two granddaughters Riley Prescott of Arlington, VA and Blair Prescott of Berkley, CA; two brothers Walter Prescott (Eva) of Wrens, GA and Charles Prescott of Wrens, GA; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army at www.salvationarmygeorgia.org, or to Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2100 Hamilton Rd. Columbus, GA 31904 or to the Salvation Army at www.salvationarmygeorgia.org.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.