James Edward (“Jim”) Goodman, 69, a native of Birmingham, Alabama died on January 20, 2009, peacefully at his home in Decatur, Georgia after a battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. His courage and determination was an inspiration to his family and friends. He graduated from the University of Alabama and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity where he served as Archon. He enlisted in the US Navy through Officers Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island and was subsequently commissioned as Ensign and later attended U.S. Naval Justice School. He served as Legal Officer, Fleet Air Wing 10, U.S. Navy. He graduated from Emory University School of Law. He practiced law in the Atlanta area for over forty years. He was known locally and nationally for his advocacy for individuals with disabilities. He was an avid dart player and long-time member of the Metro Atlanta Dart Association. He was a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church where he served as a Stephens Minister and Sunday School Teacher. He is survived by his wife, Zandra, a sister, Kay Herrin (Ken) of Orange Beach, Alabama, two daughters, Christy Daniel (Cliff) of Opelika, Alabama, and Kelly Manning (Scott) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and their mother Winnie Goodman of Jackson, Georgia, seven grandchildren, Kaylee, Courtney, Kennedy and Cassidy Daniel, Bailey, Garrett, and Annelisa Manning, an uncle, Frank Oden (Floss) of Ft. Myers, Florida, mother in law, Cha Benton, sister in law, Jerri Mason (Jerry), brother in law, Jon Benton (Tiffany), five cousins, 3 nieces and 1 nephew and many close friends. Memorial Service to be held Friday, January 23rd at 11:00 a.m. in the Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Georgia with a luncheon reception to follow. In lieu flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association – Georgia Chapter.
