James L. Goodman

James Lee Goodman, a beloved farmer in the Tift County community, passed peacefully at home on his farm on March 13, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 18, 1942, in Colquitt County, Moultrie, Georgia, he dedicated his life to the land and the people he loved.

A self-employed farmer, James spent his days working tirelessly on his farm, finding great joy in tending to his cattle, growing cotton, and cultivating a thriving vegetable garden alongside his beloved wife Patricia, whom he cherished for sixty years until her passing on September 2, 2020. Their partnership was a testament to love and commitment, filled with shared moments that left a lasting imprint on their family.

James’s dedication to his family was paramount. He took great pride in nurturing a warm and welcoming household, ensuring there was always plenty to eat at every meal. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to his family and neighbors, and those who knew him recognized that his family was the center of his universe. Even in his early years, he put family first, choosing to leave high school to assist with the family farm, underscoring the value he placed on helping his parents and maintaining the agricultural legacy that meant so much to him.

He is survived by his sons, Anthony Goodman and his wife Kay, and Donald Goodman; his daughters, Amy Gonzales and her fiancé Ronnie Barnes, and Donna Hinson and her husband Gene; his bonus son, Will Taylor; his brother, Ray Goodman; and his sister, Linda Bryant and her husband James Bryant. He was a proud grandfather to Kaycee McMillan and Stephen, Kassidy Goodman, Kimberly Dorsey, Hannah Goodman, Blake Hinson and Allie, Kaylee Gonzales and Blake, Taylor Tomlinson and Blaze, Brantley Parr, David Bickley and Kristin, Amber Barnes, and Mallory Barnes, as well as great-grandfather to Kassidy Boatner, Matthew Kennedy, Alana Stowe, Jaxon Goodman, Haddon McMillan, Miriam McMillan, Brylee Arnold, Max Bickley, Ben Hinson, Ada Hinson, Miles Hinson, Kassie Tomlinson, Karter Tomlinson, Grayson Cleveland, and Carson Hamrick. James was predeceased by his parents, Avis Lee Goodman and Vera Pearman Goodman, his wife Patricia Diann Womack Goodman, his brother Raymond Goodman, his sister Elizabeth Morrow, and his granddaughter Brandie Hinson. His legacy lives on through the love and wisdom he imparted to his family.