It is with great sadness that the family of James Edward Utsey, announce his death on Monday, December 19th, 2022.

Jim was born July 31,1931 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He attended Bradley County schools and the University of Chattanooga.

He served in Korea with the 2nd Reconnaissance 2nd division as a platoon leader and tank commander.  Service awards he received were the Korean Service Medal with five battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Distinguished Unit Citation, Purple Heart with two clusters, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medical Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning to the states, he attended Provost Marshall General’s Criminal Investigation School and after completion was assigned to the Provost Marshall Office at Fort Stewart, Georgia. After discharge, he returned to Chattanooga and worked for Atlas Power Company in Security and Investigation and attended U.C.’s night extension school majoring in liberal arts.

He came to Savannah in 1954, joined the 5th Rifle Company, United States Marine Corps Reserve, and was employed by Savannah Electric Southern Company for 37 years where he was Manager of Safety, Fleet and Security.  He was past president and professional member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.  He served as President of the Savannah Lion’s Club, Past chairman of the Southeastern Electric Exchange Safety Committee, and served on the Board of Goodwill Industries and Private Industry Council Labor Department Resources and Development Commission.

Jim was past President of International Management Councilman, member of the Savannah Beach Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Savannah Golf Club.  He served active parts on the United Community on the Mayor’s Council on Youth Opportunity, Cancer Fund, and Explorer Scouts in Free Enterprise.  Jim enjoyed time with his friends and family.  Some of his happiest days were those filled with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.  He loved the game of golf, the University of Tennessee, and traveling.

Jim actively served on the Elders Council at First Presbyterian Church of Savannah where he and his deceased wife, Betty McGee Utsey, were long time members. He attended and was a member of the Asbury Memorial Church of Savannah with his wife Valerie.

He leaves behind his wife, Valerie Osborn Utsey; his sister Willie T. (Utsey) Tinsley, her children, William N. Tinsley (Mary), Sharon Gail (Tinsley) Bowen (Stacy); his daughters, Jimmie Gail Irelan, Pamela Faye Miller (Rick); stepdaughters, Patricia Walton (Tommy), Jane Coslick (Joe), Joy Heitmann (deceased) (John), Jan Wright (Richard), Elaine Jeffrey (Tom); Stepson, Norman McGee (Marni).

The Utsey family would like to thank the fine staff at Candler Hospital and Hospice Savannah for their care and kindness.

Jim’s resting place is in the Memorial Garden at Skidaway Island Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be held on January 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at Asbury Memorial Church followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.