Hilda Faye James

The Honorable Hilda F. James, beloved longtime Magistrate Judge of Atkinson County, passed away at the age of 73, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia. Known for her kind heart, friendly demeanor, and vibrant sense of fashion, Hilda was a vital part of the Atkinson County government and community for many years, and her presence will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A resident of Atkinson County for over 40 years, Mrs. James worked with the Magistrate Court for 22 years. Prior to that she worked in clerical positions with Atkinson County and was a police officer in Pearson. Hilda was a very hard worker her entire life and liked to keep herself busy. She loved planting and tending to her flowers, spoiling her pets and animals, shopping for the latest fashions and home decor, traveling with friends and family, fishing, and spending as much time as she could with her boys and their families.

Hilda is survived by many loved ones, including her husband, Quill James, of Pearson; 4 sons, Jamie Vercauteren (and wife, Joyce) of Annapolis, Maryland; John Harpe (and wife, Kassie) of Douglas; Michael Lee (and wife, Candie) of Valdosta; and Sam Thurston (and wife, Ann) of Douglas; 2 stepdaughters, April Mobley (and husband, Cliff) of Broxton; and Andrea Cudd (and husband, Randy) of Douglas; 2 brothers, Howard Brigmond (and wife, Maria) of Douglas; and Mark Brigmond of Douglas; 2 sisters, Jean Graham (and husband, Charlie) of Douglas; and Vickie Glenn (and husband Al) of Osierfield. Hilda also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends. Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, Norman, and Dorothy (Murray) Brigmond and 3 brothers, Paul Brigmond, Bruce Brigmond, and Gary Brigmond.

Judge James’ life was celebrated at a funeral service held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the chapel of Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson. Rev. Edward Mathews and Rev. Stevie Sirmans delivered words of encouragement and prayer to the family and those in attendance. A special eulogy was provided by local attorney and friend, Shea Browning, and beautiful remembrances were given by granddaughter, Brittany Thurston, and son, Michael Lee. Recorded musical selections included “Don’t Cry for Me,” “Hymn of Heaven,” and “In the Garden.”

Serving as pallbearers for the service were Cameron Brigmond, Mark Brigmond, Jr., Daniel King, Joel Brigmond, Jr., Cliff Mobley, and Randy Cudd.

Interment followed at Red Bluff Church Cemetery in Pearson.

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Georgia, was in charge of the arrangements.