Mr. Freddie “Jim” Wise, age 72, of Springhill passed away July 23, 2014. He was born in Newton County, Georgia to Unas and Alice Wise. Raised in the Springhill Community, “Jim” joined the Springhill United Methodist Church at an early age and lived a happy life among his 12 siblings: Wilfred (Jack), Lillie, Juanita, MC, Roy, Eunice, Ina, James (Bo), Walter, Addie, Henry and Dorothy, along with his childhood friends. He attended school in Newton County and then later was employed at Georgia Highway Express Trucking Company, where he worked for more than thirty years. Later, he was employed by the Newton County School System until he retired. On October 12, 1963, “Jim” married Jacquelyn (Jack) Johnson and they were blessed with three wonderful children that they cherished: Tracy, Tressel and Ron. Jim and Jack were married for forty-five years. During Jim’s younger years he managed and played baseball with the Springhill Cubs. He also loved fishing and was always eager to fish and share his stories. But his true passion was gardening. It gave him so much pleasure to plant and nurture the vegetables he grew, because once his harvest had yielded its fruit, he would obtain gratification by sharing them with neighbors and friends. Son Jack preceded Jim in death on December 30, 2008, however they did share the joy of becoming grandparents to six grandchildren: Erron, Tanesha, Alisha, Joi, Aleayah and Khamron.

Jim is survived by his children Mr. & Mrs. Johnnie (Tracy) White, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald (Tressel) Wade and Mr. & Mrs. Ronald (Heather) Wise; his six grandchildren; one brother, Mr. & Mrs. Henry (Eleanor) Wise of Covington, Georgia; three sisters, Ms. Eunice M. Johnson, Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Ina Ruth Rooks of Capital Heights, Maryland, and Mr. & Mrs. Curtis (Addie) White of Covington, Georgia; one aunt, Ms. Alzie Davis of Cincinnati, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Wise were held on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Springhill UMC at 11 a.m. with Rev. William Hemphill Pastor as eulogist. Interment followed at Flat Shoals Cemetery at 1228 Hwy. 162 S in Covington, Georgia. Nephews and friends served as pallbearers and nieces and friends as flower attendants.