The season of life for Deacon Jessie James Mims, affectionately known as "Bay,"  began on December 3, 1935, in Leesburg, Georgia.  He was the beloved son of the late Willie "Buddy" Mims and Bessie Mims.

He was educated in the Dougherty County School System, including Monroe High School. Throughout school, he was a very bright and inquisitive young man who garnered much from his educational experiences.

Jessie was raised in a strong Christian home where he was nurtured in the Word of God.  A man of great faith and belief in Christ Jesus, he began his steadfast journey with the Lord at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  As his love for God and the church strengthened, he was ordained as a Deacon, and thereafter,    devoted himself to unparalleled commitment and service to this calling  until his demise.  Deacon Mims was blessed with the gift of song early in life and his love for singing escalated during his seasoned years.  He was exceptionally talented and utilized his rich tenor voice to minister in song with the Male Chorus and the Southern Quintets.  Whether in the chorus or with the group, his singing was intense, his message was powerful, and he gave his all to the Glory of God.

Deacon Mims was a man of many skills and talents whose unquestionable work ethics developed early as he engaged in varied work experiences at Slappey Dairy and M&M Mars.  In later years, he was employed with the Dougherty County School System where he worked untiringly and retired having rendered numerous years of  dedicated service.  Throughout his career, Deacon Mims was often described by co-workers and supervisors as punctual, always prepared for business, jovial but sincere, and a very giving person.  He was proud of his work   record and accomplishments; never  shied away for a challenge; and always gave his BEST.

Loving father, nurturing grandfather and great grandfather, committed brother, caring uncle, unforgettable cousin, and loyal friend, Deacon Mims's heart was filled with kindness, care, and compassion.  He was a friend you could count on, a father figure for many, a great listener, gave of himself freely, loved unconditionally, and impacted the lives of everyone around him in a very special way.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of his life.

On September 7, 2023, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom and power called his faithful servant home to eternal peace and rest.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, Willie Mims, Robert Mims, Leon Mims, Willie Mae Mims, Rosie Lee Mims, Bertha Mae Simpson, and Geneva Mims Jones.

Cherished memories will forever remain with his daughters, Demetria (Leon) Winsberry of Albany, GA and Kimberly Mims of Atlanta, GA;  grandchildren, Ylencia Milledge and Kiwanis (Zavier) Booker of Albany, GA, and Kandace Crimbley and James "Tre" Crimbley of Atlanta, GA; great grandchildren, Quenterius Milledge, De'Asia Shealy, She'Derrick Isom, Zy'Kerria Booker, and Eric    Gammage, Jr. all of Albany, GA, and Ka'Marié Stafford of Atlanta, GA; two brothers, Bobby (Mary Ann) Mims of Albany, GA and Charles Mims of Miami, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.