James David Poole

Our family sadly lost a pillar on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, when James (Jimmy) David Poole passed away from natural causes. Mr. Poole had just celebrated his 96th birthday. Born on June 25th, 1927 in Dyersburg, Tenn. Mr. Poole is preceded in death by his “Sweetie” of 67 years, Octama Lively Poole from Waynesboro, Georgia. Their marriage was one of unending trust, devotion, and love. It is a joy to know they are together again. Mr. Poole served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and re-enlisted in the US Army’s 16th Military Police Brigade in Fort Bragg, NC where he obtained his riffle marksmanship award. In 1953, Mr. Poole became a door-to-door insurance salesman, later he partnered with Union Banker’s Insurance Company, and his top success led him to become Vice President out of Dallas, Texas. Upon retirement, his contributions continued to make an impact for Union Bankers to be a market leader in life insurance for several more decades. Faithfully serving in his community for over 50 years at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, he served as Head Deacon, Financial treasurer, Head Usher, and Sunday School Teacher. His friends and family recall that you could always find him whistling tunes in the church breezeway. A longtime member of Columbia Country Club, Jim loved playing golf and cherished the friendships he made there through the years. In addition to golf, his hobbies included fishing, card games, and sports. In memory, he is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ezekiel and Flossie Mae Robertson Poole, his grandson, James “Jimmy” Machino, his brother Joe Poole, his sister Elaine Hollingsworth and his son-in-law John Machino. Mr. Poole is survived by his two children Pamela Poole Machino and David Poole (Leah), six grandchildren; Tami Machino, Natalie Poole Evans (Matt), Nathan Poole(Lydia), Jonathan Rogers (Debbie), and Meredith Poole Higgins (Andrew). Along with 13 great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, McKenzie, Riley, Hayden, Emily, Cohen, Laken, Tyler, Ethan, Cora, Hewitt, and Vievee. Mr. Poole (Uncle Jimmy) also has many nieces & nephews that he was very close to and loves dearly. And special dear friends at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church & Holiday Forest Pines Community. He has always said his greatest prayer is that all those he loves to accept Christ and meet him in heaven.