James Ferebee

James Sidney Ferebee

James Sidney Ferebee, beloved husband, devoted father, adored grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Born in 1947 in Kinston, North Carolina, Jim was the youngest child of Cecil and Helen Ferebee. He was raised in New Bern, North Carolina, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete. A natural competitor and team leader, Jim earned All-Conference honors in football and received numerous awards in baseball. He remained especially proud of his baseball team, the Bears, for winning a state championship, an achievement he fondly recalled throughout his life.

Jim graduated from Memphis State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He then pursued his passion for music, touring professionally across the United States and overseas for more than a decade. During this period, Jim recorded a celebrated studio record and collaborated with numerous recording artists, leaving a meaningful mark on those who shared the stage or recording studio with him.

In 1986, Jim began a successful career with Philip Morris Corporation (later Altria Group), where he served as a Senior Accounts Manager, Events Coordinator, and Area Sales Manager. He retired in 2012 after 26 years of dedicated service. In addition to his professional career, Jim also invested in his community, coaching youth baseball and football from 1984 to 2006. In recognition of his commitment, he was awarded District Tournament Director for Mountain Park.

Family was always Jim’s highest priority. He treasured evenings spent with a lively game of dominoes (he was known to be a bit of a cheat), playing his guitar, and boating on Lake Lanier. Whether hosting relaxed dinners on the deck, celebrating Thanksgiving with extended family in Greenville, South Carolina, or Christmas gatherings in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jim found joy in every opportunity to bring loved ones together. In retirement, he embraced new adventures, including appearing as an extra in movies filmed in Atlanta.

Jim’s faith in God was unwavering. He consistently reminded his family that God had a plan and could be trusted to guide their lives and decisions. A dedicated

church member, Jim sang in the First Baptist Atlanta Choir for many years. As a member of the Knights of Malta, he proudly supported the Order’s humanitarian mission, reflecting his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and compassion.

A true gentleman, Jim was known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. He loved deeply and freely and was a steady source of reassurance for his family, often reminding them that everything would be okay. Jim was truly the anchor of both his immediate and extended family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Ann Ferebee; his sons, Christopher Michael Ferebee (Amberly) and Brandon Tyler Ferebee; and his grandchildren, Madeline Elizabeth Ferebee and William Baxter Ferebee. He is also survived by his nephew, Robert Alen Hanshaw (Sheryl); nieces Patricia Ferebee Lee (Roger) and Constance Lynne Malone; and extended family members Marshall Barton DeForrest III “Trip” (Juliann) and Scott Bain DeForrest; and grandchildren Marshall Barton DeForrest IV “Drew,” Blakely Adison DeForrest; brother-in-law Walter Miller "Walt" Florie Jr. (Linda); and sister-in-law Barbara Florie Haddock (Bill).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Cecil Ferebee; his sister, Hattie Hanshaw; his brother-in-law, Phil Hanshaw; and his nephew-in-law, Bill Malone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Wages & Sons Funeral Home, 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083, followed by a reception at the funeral home. All family and friends are warmly invited to attend.