James R. "Jim" Bland, 93, of Jesup, GA died Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Wayne Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.  The Wayne County native lived in Jesup for all of his life. He graduated from Jesup High School in 1947 and the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1952. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the USAF from 1952-54 and was stationed in Korea.  When he returned from service, he began his career at ITT Rayonier in Jesup.  He worked in numerous positions from 1955-1990, including serving as head of the Engineering Department, Assistant Mill Manager, and was named Mill General Manager in 1979 and Corporate Vice President in 1986.

He held numerous leadership roles in Wayne County including serving as President, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce; Director, Boy Scouts of America, Okefenokee Area; Trustee, Brunswick College Foundation; Mayor, City of Jesup; Jesup City Commissioner; Chairman, Wayne County Board of Education; Georgia Tech President's Scholarship Committee; Georgia Forestry Association Legislative Contact; Trustee/Board Member, First United Methodist Church; Adult Sunday School Teacher/Lay Speaker, Jesup FUMC; President, Kiwanis International; Member, Technical Association, Pulp and Paper Industry; Co-Chairman, Tech-Georgia Fund; Chairman, Altamaha Tech Foundation; Chairman, Wayne County Industrial Development Authority; Director, Auburn University Pulp and Paper Foundation; Board Member of SunTrust; and Altamaha Technical College Foundation Board of Directors.

Jim, called "Pops" in his later years, was an avid hunter and lover of the great outdoors.  He spent much time in the beautiful woodlands of Long County and taught his children and his grandchildren many life lessons, including how to respect the environment.  He enjoyed reading and history and is considered by many to be one of the greatest storytellers of his generation.

Survivors are his beloved wife of 66 years, Marjorie Hyers Bland of Jesup; son, Dr. James Richard "Richie" (Ava) Bland, III of Carrollton, GA; daughter Joy (Lex) Kenerly of Jesup; and son, David (Arria) Bland of Jesup.  Grandchildren and Great grandchildren are Leah (John Paul) Martin and Ava Jane and Bland of Carrollton; James Richard "Jay" (Maddy) Bland, IV and James Richard "Jack" Bland, V, of Atlanta; Hunter (Emily) Bland of Miami, FL; John Lex Kenerly IV (soon Amy Gail) of Atlanta; Adeline (Greyson) Lambert and Lock, of Atlanta; Jameson (Cole) Ragsdale of Birmingham, AL; Asher (Powell) Kenerly of Warrenton, VA; David (Lauren) Bland and Tripp, of St. Simons Island, GA; Blythe Bland of Atlanta; Brayden (Will) Sheffield of Glennville, GA; and Brynnslet Bland of Jesup.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, Jesup, GA.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-10:50 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry St., Jesup, Georgia 31546.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, GA is in charge of arrangements.