Jimmy Bolin

Mr. Jimmy Durrell “Buddy” Bolin, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on February 22, 2026, with his beloved wife, Penny, and faithful dog, Abbey, by his side. A memorial service will be held Thursday February 26th at 2:00 P.M. at First Methodist Church in Americus. The family will receive friend from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church.

Born on June 30, 1944, in Slocomb, Alabama, Jim was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Burkett Foster Bolin. Though he grew up with very little, his intelligence, determination, and strong work ethic set him apart early in life. Recognizing his potential, his teachers helped pave the way for him to attend college.

Following high school, Buddy earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Troy State University. He later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama. He began his career in education before transitioning into leadership roles in business and healthcare. He served as Plant Manager of Coats and Clark in Albany, Georgia, and later as Vice President of Human Resources at Palmyra Park Hospital. He concluded his distinguished career as Vice President of Corporate Health Services at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, retiring at a young age to fully enjoy life with his family.

Buddy embodied the finest traits of a true Southern gentleman—simplicity, humility, hard work, self-determination, and a steadfast do-it-yourself spirit. He had little use for pretense, materialism, or greed. If something needed fixing, he fixed it. And if nothing needed fixing, he often found—or invented—something to improve. Whether necessary repairs or creative “modifications,” he took pride in working with his hands and found deep satisfaction in a job well done.

In retirement, Jim and Penny moved to their beloved lake home, which became both a peaceful retreat and a gathering place filled with laughter. Though they traveled the world together, the lake house was his favorite place of all—especially when it was filled with family and friends. He was happiest sharing it with his grandchildren, who knew him lovingly as “Pop.”

An active and engaged member of his community, Jim served on numerous boards and organizations, including United Way, Albany Technical College, Kiwanis, First United Methodist Church, and the Thursday Lunch Bunch at Roman Oven.

Music was a constant joy in his life. He played guitar, ukulele, and banjo, and there was almost always music playing in the background of his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Harold Bolin; and his sister, Doris Anderson.

Buddy is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Penny Klein Bolin; their twin sons, Jarrett Bolin (Whitney) and Jason Bolin (Lauren); and his cherished grandchildren, Aden Bolin, Azlan

Bolin, and Sophie Hill. He is also survived by his sister, Glenda Bolin Dews; sister-in-law, Judy Bridges (Rik); Bobbi Mock (Dale); Nick Klein; Steve Klein; and several nieces and nephews.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the life of Jimmy “Buddy” Durrell Bolin—a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a man whose steady hands and generous heart left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Americus and/or the Sumter County Humane Society.

To sign the online guest book and share your condolences with the family, please visit aldridgefuneralservices.com. Aldridge Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.