James Judson Filbey

Mr. James “Jim” Judson Filbey, age 93, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. James was born May 5. 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a son of the late Robert Nathaniel Filbey and the late Hattie Graper Filbey. Mr. Filbey graduated in 1948 from the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York where he achieved the rank of Midshipman. He later earned a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering while working with Southern Bell. As a graduate of the Academy, James served on Merchant Marine ships. Later he served as an officer on Naval aircraft carriers and submarines. He was honourably discharged from the United States Navy Reserves as a Lieutenant in 1981. As a member of the United States Army Reserves, he achieved the rank of Captain and was honourably discharged in 1988. In the early 1950’s Jim was working with Southern Bell in Americus where he met his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Buchanan. Jim married Betty on December 28, 1954. They had two children James “Buck” Filbey and Elizabeth “Beth” Filbey. Jim’s business career included Western Electric, Southern Bell and Bell Laboratories. He moved his family to New Jersey to work on special projects as a Systems Analyst before moving back to Atlanta with Southern Bell. He retired from Southern Bell in 1985 as Manager of Engineering. During his retirement years, he worked his pecan farm in Americus, Georgia. Jim was also an active member of the Americus Kiwanis Club. During his deployment with the Navy, James acquired his pilot license where he realized his love for flying. After his service, he became a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). Jim was an avid pilot, owning several small aircraft through the years. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Buchanan Filbey; his son, James "Buck" B. Filbey; and his daughter, Elizabeth "Beth" F. Smith and her husband (Philip A. Smith); and two grandchildren: Christopher J. Filbey and R. Jason Filbey. Services are planned for 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 19, from the chapel of Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St. Rev. Daryl Brown will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Sumter Humane Society, 108 Industrial Blvd., Americus, GA 31719. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honoured to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. James Judson Filbey.