James I. Webb

James I Webb—a beloved and well-known local architect— passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Mr. Webb was a devoted father and grandfather, and a blessing to all who knew him. He touched countless lives—from his weekly dry cleaner to his bank teller, and everyone in between—with his kind-hearted nature, playful spirit, and genuine love for life. His upstanding character will live on through the people he loved and the world he helped design.

Born in Eufaula Alabama, Mr. Webb was a longtime resident of Augusta. Mr. Webb studied architecture at Southern Polytechnic State University, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. While at Southern Polytechnic State University, Mr. Webb made lifelong friendships. These friendships were both the building blocks and cornerstone of his professional life. Mr. Webb was an avid fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and had exceptional talent for hand drafting. During his career, he developed a distinct architectural style that applied his passion for early 20th-century design, which can be seen throughout the Augusta area.

After receiving his license in 1985, Mr. Webb partnered with the late architect John Sandeford to form Sandeford and Webb Architects, here in Augusta. Following the death of John Sandeford in 1998, Mr. Webb continued as a sole practitioner. In 2003, he merged with Richard Hinman and Samuel “Dee” Beaird to form Studio 3 Design Group.

Mr. Webb prided himself on giving new life to old buildings and was a lauded champion of historic preservation. A member of Historic Augusta since 1992, he was responsible for the design and rehabilitation of multiple historic structures in downtown Augusta; including the Henry Cohen House, Lowrey Wagon Works, and the Zachariah Daniel House. Mr. Webb earned numerous awards and recognition for his work.

Mr. Webb was committed to civic and professional service throughout his life. He was a past member of the Rotary Club and the Masters City Sertoma Club, where he held leadership roles, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms. He was also an active member of the American Institute of Architects at the local, state, and national levels, and served in every main office within the Augusta Chapter including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Mr. Webb’s proudest achievement was his daughter, Amanda, whom he cherished and loved wholeheartedly. His fondest memories are those spent with his daughter and his grandchildren. Mr. Webb had an unconditional love for all those he encountered. If you ran into Mr. Webb anywhere in town, you were guaranteed to see a smile on his face and a sparkle in his blue eyes. Mr. Webb believed that everything you do in life should be enjoyed to the fullest, knowing it was best to leave while still having fun.

He is preceded in death by his late wife Cynthia Hope Webb, parents Herbert and Pauline Morrison, and his stepson, John Dawson Sancken. Survivors include his daughter Cheryl Amanda Hennessy (James) of Jacksonville, FL; his grandchildren Harper Hope Hennessy and James Daniel Hennessy; his sister Elaine Webb Hood (Larry) of Dalzell, SC; and his step-children Sarah Elizabeth Hemphill (Ryan) of Augusta Georgia, George Justin Sancken of Augusta, GA, and Kristin Drawdy Sancken of New York, NY.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Platts Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta Georgia, on May 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Mr. Webb’s greatest joys were his grandchildren, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Classical Academy of Jacksonville, Florida and the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville.