James Robert Latham

James Robert Latham, 70, a resident of Macon, passed away peacefully on Sunday night, June 30, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on February 10, 1943, in Wilsonville, Alabama. He was the son of J.P. Latham, who was killed in World War II when Jim was very young, and Maudine Mote Latham McCollough, who passed away in October, 2011. When Jim was an adolescent, his mother married Carl McCollough, who raised Jim as his stepfather until he passed away in 1997. Jim spent his early years in Lineville, Alabama, which he described as "a great little town to grow up in." After relocating to Pensacola, Florida, he attended Pensacola High School, graduating in 1961. One of the great joys of his life was his time as a member of the Pensacola High School football program. Jim then moved on to Auburn, Alabama, where he became a proud graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He then spent 22 years in the textile industry, the great majority of which was spent with the Bibb Company. His second career was with Met Life, where he served his clients as an insurance and investment advisor for 17 years. Jim loved a good story and a good joke - both to hear them and to tell them. For many years, he was an active member of the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. He was a passionate sports fan who was most especially focused on all aspects of the Auburn Tigers football program and on the local high school football scene. After his retirement, Jim spent his days reading avidly and working out at the Kinetix Health Club gym. His workouts kept him young, powerful, and strong, and he made many close friends of all ages through his daily sessions. Jim is survived by his soulmate, Brenda Kaye Owens Latham, his wife of 50 years. In addition, he is survived by his son, Robert Wade Latham of Tampa, Florida, and his daughter and son-in-law, Rae Nicole Latham Foster and Matthew Foster, of Pinehurst, North Carolina. Finally, he is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Madelyn Foster, 12, and Anna Kathryn Foster, 7, also of Pinehurst, North Carolina. A celebration of Jim's life will held on Friday, July 5, at 2:00pm at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, in Macon. A visitation and reception for his friends to reminisce and remember the good times they spent with Jim will follow immediately. Inurnment will occur at a later date in a private, family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests your generous donations to Pine Pointe Hospice in Macon, where Jim spent his final days in the care of their loving and generous team. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.