James Richard Poole

Ever exuding grace and courage, Jim Poole, born April 28th 1966 died in the arms of his loving wife Kim on October 6th 2023 succumbing to the ravages of ALS. Raised in Philadelphia, of whose teams he was an unwavering fan, he lived a full and happy, albeit too short, life. Winning a baseball scholarship to Georgia Tech, he excelled on the pitching mound, his record for career saves stands to this day. Jim’s prowess on the diamond was matched by rigorous academic study culminating in an Electrical Engineering degree. And if GA Tech and baseball were third and second in Jim’s trifecta of loves, then his future bride Kim was first…theirs was a fairytale romance that began during Freshmen Orientation week and never ended. Drafted into professional baseball Jim had a distinguished pitching career over 11 years with, among others, the Orioles, the Indians, and the Giants. Following retirement from baseball Jim brought his trademark virtues of hard work, focus, and investment to a wide range of pursuits to include personal entrepreneurial ventures, teaching and coaching in the public schools, and most recently helping baseball families provide for their financial security.

Gifted with a sharp mind, eternal optimism, and genuine love of neighbor, Jim always invested his time, talent and treasure to bring out the best in others whether in business, volunteer coaching the East Cobb Yankees, commentating GA Tech games on WREK radio or interacting with friends and family. With a warm smile, easy-going manner and genuine interest in others, many and blessed are those who called Jim friend.

Jim is survived and mourned by his wife Kim; his beloved children Austin (and wife Marileigh), Hayden (and wife Caroline) , and Courtney; Jim’s parents Judy and Rick Poole, Jim’s grandchildren Montgomery and Stevie; as well as the rest of his extended family and many cherished friends.

A celebration of Jim’s life is planned for Friday, October 13th at 11:00 at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation in memory of Jim to James R. “Jim” Poole GT Athletic Scholarship Endowment Fund or AlS research at ALS Cure Project or https://alsaga.org/ of GA.