The journey of life for Jimmie Lee Gurley, Sr. began on February 8, 1951, in Grady County, Georgia. He was the beloved son of the late Willie J. and Ethel M. Gurley.

He was educated in the Grady County School System, graduating from Washington Consolidated High School in 1969. While there, he was a member of the marching band. He continued his education at Albany State College.

From a very young age, Jim was nurtured in the Word of God. As a youth, he surrendered his life to Christ and united with the St. Luke Primitive Baptist Church of Reno, Georgia, under the leadership of Reverend Tommie Geter. For numerous years, he was a devoted member and served faithfully wherever needed.

After receiving the call to military duty, Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he became a "soldier to the core." He was stationed throughout the United States and in Germany, and served his country with distinction. The military suited his sense of order and his code of loyalty. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family can attest. At the close of his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged and returned home to civilian life.

Jim's professional work life was very diverse and rewarding. For 15 years, he worked tirelessly as an employee of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company until the plant closed. While at Firestone, he met and developed a deep friendship with the men of YMPC (Young Men Progressive Club). With the plant's closing, Jim's keen interest in "big rigs" and the transportation industry was sparked. He became an over-the-road transportation specialist for various trucking companies, delivering manufactured products, services, and goods throughout the country in a timely manner. He took pride in his driving skills and as a result, was recognized for driving thousands of miles accident free during his 32-year career.

Jimmie was a very perceptive, informed, good natured, witty, and generous man who was a joy to be around. In his travels, he was known as "Ghostrider"; to his family and friends, he was simply "Jim"; to his children, he was the "greatest dad on earth"; and to his wife, he was "the love of her life". His pleasant personality and kind heart will be dearly missed, and the strong bonds of friendship that he developed through his life will forever be cherished and remembered. Jim enjoyed life and people. He was president of the YMPC and enjoyed the camaraderie of his brothers over the years until his health declined. He was an avid motorcycle rider; and he enjoyed fishing, bowling, drawing, and writing. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family—especially his children and grandchildren who held the "key" to his heart.

On Sunday, January 27, 2019, Jim peacefully and quietly answered the Master's call to rest at the Willson Hospice House. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by eight siblings, Oscar Carter, Nellie McIntyre-Webb, Doris Crump, Ethel L. Herring, Barbara J. Gurley, Alton Gurley, Leonard Gurley, and Jimmy Gurley; and three grandchildren, Chaz Walls, Baby James, and Jaiden James.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his devoted wife, Sally Williams Gurley of Albany, GA; four children, Yolanda V. Gurley of Atlanta, GA, Carmetra L. Gurley of Albany, GA, Jimmie L. Gurley, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, and Ashley Shorter of Lake Charles, LA; grandchildren, Charmaine Walls, Chantel Walls-Moreno (Juan), Alexis White, JaKayla White, Trinity Gurley, Charlieze Walls, Chandra Walls, Kaiden Jackson, and Anala Davis; great grandchild, Carmen E. Green; siblings, Paul Gurley, Lillie Pearl Kelly, James (Helen) McIntyre, Lenzie McIntyre, Willie Mae (Rev. Ellis) Cox, Willie McIntyre, David (Anne) McIntyre, and Darfus Gurley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and close friends..