James McDaris

James Achilles McDaris fondly known as Jimmy.  Was born January 7, 1937, in Hemptown, Georgia.

He left this world for his heavenly home on November 5, 2023, in Smyrna, Georgia.

He was the only child of Belle Brackett McDaris and Everett “Newt” McDaris. 
Jimmy had a great childhood in Hemptown.  He came from a great family of entrepreneurs.  His Grandfather Brackett had a Dairy and they were known to deliver milk in the early mornings on his way to Morganton School   His Dad created the first shower system in his Blue Ridge Barbershop where men would line up all the way out the door for a haircut and shower on Saturdays.   His job was to keep them supplied with fresh towels. 

He loved spending his Saturdays in Downtown Blue Ridge waiting for his Dad’s work day to end. While there he could spend 25 cents and enjoy two movies, 2 cokes and popcorn.

Jimmy loved growing up in North Georgia Mountains, but he loved the love of his life more.  Jimmy met Jeanette Hyatt McDaris at Fannin County High School. After graduation they both moved to Atlanta to find their work careers.  They were married on December 29, 1956, and have spent 67 wonderful years together.

Mac & Jimmy as they are known by many enjoyed a wonderful life together.  They truly enjoyed their extended families of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews tremendously and loved a family reunion.

But there was no greater joy for Jimmy than being a Dad to Cindy and Tim. Jimmy enjoyed being a Dad, he coached ball teams, attended countless ballgames, and would “ride the waves” in the ocean for hours on family vacations.  He enjoyed being a Father in Law to John, for over 40 years they could always talk about sports, cars and politics.  He enjoyed his children and their friends and considered them all “his own”, always invested in their lives and what they were doing. From California to Georgia wherever they might be he always wanted to know how their lives were going.

Jimmy’s complete joy came from being a Grandfather and Great Grandfather.  He absolutely adored his Grandsons L J and Chance Querry.  Everything they did was important to him.  He shared with them his love for Southern Gospel music, tools and cars.  He wanted to be there for everything they did in their lives and took great pride and joy in talking about them to anyone that would listen. 

But being a Great Grandad, Papa Jimmy was incredible.  Their Mom Alicia Davidson Querry married L J in 2013, and Jimmy would tell you “that Alicia is so smart!” but she also brought two wonderful people into this world Braelyn and Jameson.  If you wanted to bring a smile to Jimmy’s face just mention something Braelyn or Jameson were doing. 

James is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jeanette Hyatt McDaris, son James Timothy McDaris, daughter Cindy McDaris Querry, and John Querry, Grandsons John Edward (L J) Querry, III and wife Alicia Davidson Querry, James Chancellor (Chance) Querry, Great Grandchildren Braelyn Jeanette Querry and Jameson Rafe Querry.

The Celebration of Jim’s life will be on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Blue Ridge Georgia at Cochran Funeral home beginning at 1:00 pm.  His final resting place will be in Hemptown Baptist Church cemetery.

The following will serve as Pallbearers with Braelyn and Jameson Querry as Honorary Escorts.

John Edward “L J” Querry, III, James Chancellor Querry, Randy Denton, Jeff Davidson, Cody Rogers, Tim McNeil, Dwayne Priest and David McLaughlin.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Justus, Wayne Keith, Johnny Dillard, Tom Hooper and James Cook. His Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces and Nephews and his Carolyn Drive Neighbors.

Cochran Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of James A McDaris.  Send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com