James "Chris" Jennings, III

James Christopher Jennings III, lovingly known as Chris, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Newnan, Georgia. He was born on June 1, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida, to the late James C. Jennings Jr. and Kathleen Harrison Jennings. As a child, he was affectionately nicknamed "Wheat" due to his dirty-blonde hair, a name that he carried dear to his heart. Chris graduated from Tate High School in Gonzalez, Florida, in 1967 and continued his education at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, graduating in December of 1971 with his degree in Arts and Sciences. He then enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he met his wife, Diane Faulk whom he married in 1972. Chris graduated UAB in 1974. He went on to continue his studies at the University of West Georgia and earned his Masters of Education as well as a six year diploma in Education Administration. Diane and Chris began their family and welcomed their two sons, Jay and Josh, in Carrollton, GA before making their home in Newnan, GA in 1976. It was during these years that Chris also found what would become one of the great callings of his life: Education. In 1974, he began his career with the Coweta County School System in Newnan, GA as a special education teacher. His passion for education then led him to Newnan High School, as Assistant Principal for the majority of his career. In 1994, Chris became the Principal at Arnco Sargent Elementary School. Seven years later, he became a valued member of the Coweta County Board of Education as Assistant Superintendent until his retirement in 2005. Chris dedicated over 30 years of love and commitment to the Coweta County School System, students and educators. Yet the titles he held tell only a small part of the impact he had. Chris genuinely loved being around students and educators. He believed a school should be more than a place to learn; it should be a place where people felt welcomed, valued, supported, and cared for. Throughout his career, he worked to cultivate that kind of environment for both students and teachers. That same spirit carried into every part of Chris' life. He was an exceptionally kind and thoughtful person who paid attention to the people around him and often considered the needs of others before his own. He was someone you could turn to-an open ear when you needed to talk and a steady voice when you needed advice. He cared deeply about people and had a genuine desire to leave them better than he found them. Above all, Chris loved his family and treasured his relationship with Christ. His faith in God was central to his life and to the person he continually worked to become. He believed in growth and self-improvement and was always striving to be his best self. At the same time, Chris was very human. He understood that life was a continual process of learning, growing, and extending grace to both ourselves and others. Family was one of Chris' greatest joys. Of all the titles Chris held throughout his life, none of them meant more to him than 'Dad'. He simply loved being a dad and grandad and took great pride in being called one. He loved his two sons deeply and cherished time with grandchildren and loved ones. He especially enjoyed having everyone together, creating a home where family could gather, spend time with one another, and simply enjoy being together. For all that he accomplished in his life, Chris remained remarkably humble, never needing recognition or praise for the many ways he touched the lives of others. Chris also found happiness in the simple things. He loved working with his hands, whether tinkering with lawn mowers in his barn, cutting his grass, or tending to his garden. He loved fishing and being around the water, especially in his home state of Florida. But there was also a wild, wandering spirit in Chris. He was fiercely independent and was never one to simply follow the path laid out for him; he had a way of carving out a path of his own. He loved the freedom of riding his motorcycle and traveling across the country, seeing where the road might take him. That sense of adventure, independence, and curiosity remained an unmistakable part of who he was. In the later chapter of Chris' life, he shared his years with his loving partner, Judy. Her steady presence, companionship, and support became an important part of his life, and she remained faithfully by his side through his later years. Chris will be remembered not simply for what he accomplished, but for the way he lived and the way he made people feel. He was kind, thoughtful, welcoming, and generous with his time and his wisdom. His life was grounded in faith, family, service, growth, and a genuine desire to care for the people around him. The lessons he taught were not limited to a classroom or a school; they were reflected in the way he treated people throughout his life. Chris was preceded in death by his devoted parents Jim Jr and Kathleen and by his former wife and mother of his children, Diane. He is remembered by Laurie, his beloved sister, Judy, his supportive partner; his loving sons, Jay and Josh; his adored granddaughters Jessica and Katie; and the many great family members, friends, students, and educators whose lives were touched by his kindness and care. A celebration of Chris' life will be held at a later date in Pensacola, Florida.Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com.McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

James "Chris" Jennings, III

June 1, 1949 - September 7, 2026