James “Jimmy” Joel Childre Sr., 94, owner of Childre Nissan in Milledgeville, passed away passed away Friday, Dec. 12, surrounded by his family.
According to his obituary, Childre was the son of the late Joel Ernest and Emeline James Childre and grew up in Reynolds. He attended Reynolds High School and received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia. After graduating, he would begin working in the automotive industry at Taylor County Motor Company. He also became active in community affairs in Reynolds, taught Sunday school at the Reynolds Methodist Church, and served on the city council and as mayor of Reynolds.
In 1964, Childre moved to Sandersville and founded Childre Chevrolet-Oldsmobile, a family-owned car business that he, his sons and grandsons have run for many years. In a video by Childre Nissan in 2017, Childre stated “I work with them (his sons) every day and I enjoy it a lot.”
“The Childre dealerships offered Jimmy the ideal opportunity to succeed in business while serving others,” states his obituary. “His customers were generational, as one generation would bring the next to buy a car from ‘Mr. Jimmy.’” In the 2017 video, Childre stated he ran his business under the slogan “We help you buy a car, not sell you on a car.” He worked with customers to get payments adjusted to make the vehicle affordable.
“The most rewarding part of my work is providing transportation for people,” said Childre in the video. “Long ago that was a luxury but today it is a necessity … and a lot of times they have to get back (home) economically. You have to try and fit that bill by keeping car payments down low, gasoline payments low, and now we can offer that.”
Childre Nissan posted to its Facebook an announcement of his passing with a short message to the community.
“For 73 years, Jimmy dedicated his life to the automotive industry, building Childre Nissan as a place rooted in integrity, hard work, and genuine relationships.
As a family-owned and operated dealership, his values continue to guide everything we do. Jimmy loved his family and friends deeply and was devoted to his work. He was a friend to all who walked through the doors of the dealership, always believing in treating people with respect and kindness.”
The message from the family goes on to reiterate that his legacy is carved into the family business and will continue with the generations of the future who continue to serve the business he began.
“While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will continue through the generations of our family and the customers we proudly serve.”
Childre is survived by his children, Jimmy Childre, Jr. of Sandersville, Bob Childre of Tennille, Charlotte Childre of St Augustine Florida, J.J. Childre (Lori) of Gadsden Alabama, Angel Childre, Jason Childre (Angie); brother Taylor Childre of Milledgeville; sister, Betty Welsh of Moultrie; and nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Anyone may view his obituary or post to his tribute wall by visiting williamsfuneralhome.net/ obituaries/jimmy-childre.