James "Jim" Kenneth Locke

James (Jim) Kenneth Locke, Sr., 86 of Augusta, GA, beloved husband of Linda Locke, passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2021, their 64th wedding anniversary, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born in Piedmont, SC on February 6, 1935 to Ella Mae and Walter Benjamin Locke.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda “Lou” Bell Locke, son, Kenneth Locke (Tammy) Augusta, GA, daughter Sharon Quarles (Mark) Martinez, GA and 2 grandchildren who were the light of his life, Mitch Locke, Atlanta, GA and Sally Quarles, Martinez, GA. Jim is also survived by his brother Dick Locke (Annelle) of Greenville, SC, sister in law, Frances Locke, of Greenville, SC brother in law Roger Bell (Kathy) of North Augusta, SC and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Locke Flanagan, brother Bob Locke and his parents, Ella Mae and Walter Locke.

After graduating high school at Greenville High, Jim attended North Greenville Jr. College. Jim and Linda married in 1957 he attended the University of South Carolina while working part time for JB Whites in Columbia, SC. He transferred with JB Whites to Augusta, GA.
After 4 years in Augusta Jim decided to open J&L Factory Outlet in downtown Augusta, later changing the name to J&L Men’s Wear and moving locations to a larger store. Jim loved every day he went to work at J&L for 29 years and always enjoyed meeting new people. He was a salesman through and through and a very dapper dresser.

As a devout Christian, Jim was a pillar of his beloved Church, National Hills Baptist for 48 years, where he was a Deacon, served on various committees, was Secretary of Sunday School, and greeted Sunday mornings, kissing every baby and enjoying the many hugs from the little ones coming to worship. The Exchange Club of Augusta was a big part of his life since 1980, where he enjoyed the fellowship, camaraderie, and laughter. For years Jim was a huge Lionel Train collector and built quite the collection that he enjoyed sharing with others. After retiring in 1999 Jim could be found most days maintaining the “islands” at National Hills in loving memory of his precious daughter, Brenda.

To know Jim was to Love him, he never met a stranger! Most people would walk away from talking with him with a huge smile on their face or shaking their head about a story he just told, never knowing if it was a joke or the truth. His humor will be greatly missed but he left us with plenty of stories for the ages. Jim was awarded the “Giving Your Best” award in 2005, nominated by neighbors who admired his commitment to his neighborhood and his need to always offer a helping hand.

A visitation will be held at Platts Funeral Home on Belair Road on Friday July 30, 2021 from 6:00-8:00. The funeral will be held at National Hills Baptist Church on Saturday July 31, 2021 at 11:00am, officiated by Dr. Kevin Steele and the Rev. Steve Murrell. The burial will directly follow at Westover Cemetery. Pallbearers are Roger Bell, Ronnie Strength, Ken Hardy, Terry Meeks, Stan Reynolds, Barry Hall and Rick Murphy. Honorary pallbearers are The Exchange Club of Augusta and any former employees of J&L Men’s Wear.

The Locke family would like to thank Savannah River ProHome Care and a special thank you to Leslie Sims, who was his very loyal caregiver and Linda’s right hand. They would also like to thank Heartland Hospice and sweet Mary Kirkland, for helping the family navigate these past few months.

Memorials may be made to National Hills Baptist Church, 2725 Washington Road, Augusta, GA, 30909

Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.