James “Jim” Henry Champion, 90, of Tifton passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018, at the Rehabilitation Center of South Georgia in Tifton. A memorial service will be held for Mr. Champion at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018, at Tifton's First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Benjy Varnell officiating. Mr. Champion will be laid to rest at a later date. The family will receive friends Friday, April 27, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at Tifton's First United Methodist Church.
Jim was born on May 24, 1927 in Tift County to the late Clarence Paul Champion and Lena Vernice Kennedy Champion. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Weston Champion; his second wife, Virginia Zerhusen Champion; three brothers, Clarence Champion II, Benjamin Champion and John Champion; and two sisters, Sara Willene Champion and Martha C. Walker.
Being raised on a farm instilled a solid work ethic and a foundation of faith which followed him throughout his life in everything he perused and accomplished.
Jim served in the United States Navy during World War II and spent time in Japan with the occupational forces. Upon returning from active duty, he worked at the Tifton Post Office until his retirement.
One of Jim’s many interests was working with the Boy Scout programs starting in 1954. He was appointed as Institutional Representative for Cub Pack 62, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church. He worked in the Scouting District, training Cub Masters and giving advice to institutions sponsoring Cub packs.
In 1962, he became the Cub Master for Pack 62. He continued training other Cub Masters, while taking courses himself to eventually obtain the highest honors in Boy Scouting. Jim completed the highly regarded leadership training program, “Wood Badge”, in 1964. The Lions Club of Tifton presented him the “Outstanding Scouter of the Year” in 1965, the same year he became a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 62, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church. In 1968, he was awarded the Silver Beaver for “Outstanding Service to Boyhood”. Jim made a positive impact on a lot of Tifton’s young boys by setting high standards and challenging them to do their best.
He also served several terms on the Board of Stewards at Tifton’s First United Methodist Church, where he was a member.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and served many years as the President of the Tifton Fishing Club. He also enjoyed pursuing fish, deer and doves; pistol shooting, trap and skeet shooting.
Mr. Champion is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Wetherington and Ron Scheier; one son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Lynne Champion; his grandchildren and their spouses, Ann and Phil Richardson, Corey Wetherington, Christopher Champion, Michael Champion; his step-daughters and their spouses, Diann and Bruce Donaldson and Jackie Martin; as well as many other grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Tifton’s First United Methodist Church, 107 West 12th Street, Tifton, GA 31794.