James Edward Mock, Sr., affectionally known as “Tom” by the community, was born in Cuthbert, Georgia on December 27, 1935. He was the son of Thomas and Mary Lou Mock. James departed this side of life on April 17, 2024 at his home in Cuthbert.
He married the former Francina V. Taylor of West Palm Beach, FL on May 27, 1957. James was a member of Payne Chapel A.M E. Church. James played baseball, basketball, was a swimmer and even played the piano of which basketball would be his go to sport when he joined the U.S. Air Force and worked as a Supply Sergeant. It was at this time he joined Pride of Palm Beach, Lodge #447, PHA. His time in the military afforded him the opportunity to set foot in all 50 states at some point in his career. In the Air Force, he was deployed to Vietnam where he begun to move up the ranks in the military. He and his family would live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and in Japan for an extended period. James retired from the military and was honorably discharged as Master Sergeant – Ret. E7.
After his military career, James focused on making an impact as a community leader. As a police officer for the City of Cuthbert, he would eventually become the first black Chief of Police. He was able to make strides in cleaning up crime in the city while giving young men and women a second chance to change their lives for the better. To add, he created the J.B. Smith Youth Group for young people in 1984 to assist with giving young people a means to a positive outlet keeping youth engaged. His work continued with stints on the City Council, Randolph County Board of Education, the Randolph County Development Authority and he became the first black Chairman of the Randolph County Commissioners. His work on these groups gave him the opportunity to spearhead the implementation of lights in the dark areas of the community, reductions in water and sewerage costs, have roads paved, create a foot patrol and create the first, “Chief for the Day” program for young middle schoolers.
James did it all. He visited the elderly and the widowed to ensure their safety especially checking on them on New Year’s Day. He would maintain the upkeep of local cemeteries for free, bus kids to Sunday School and even would discipline them hard. He took on many kids as his own pushing them to be all they can. He was Cuthbert’s dad.
James is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Francina V. Mock; their children: James C. Mock (Cathy), Angela L. Mock, and Brian C. Mock (Tamyah). Daughters, Valerie Davis and Velma Pinkins; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his sons, James E. Mock, Jr. and Stacey E. Mock.
