Biographical Information on
James Thomas Fleming

Front page, The Albany Daily Herald, January 21, 1902:

FLEMING-JONES WEDDING

Mr. J.T. Fleming of Moultrie, and
Miss Josie Beall Jones Quietly Married Today

t the home of Capt. John A. Davis, on Pine street, occurred a quiet but beautiful wedding this morning, when Miss Josie Beall Jones became the bride of Mr. James Thomas Fleming, of Moultrie, Ga.

The wedding was a quiet affair, being witnessed by the relatives and only a few friends of the contracting parties, but it was a wedding of unusual beauty and solemnity.

The elegant parlors of the Davis home were artistically decorated in white and green, a large bank of palms and ferns making an impressive background before which the young couple took their stand to face the officiating minister.

Miss Eula Jones presided at the piano, and played Mendoelssohn's wedding march as the bridal party entered. During the ceremony the "Flower Song" was beautifully rendered.

The beautiful marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. W.L. Richards, pastor of the Baptist church, after which the happy young couple were showered with the congratulations and best wishes of those present.

The bridge wore an elaborate gown of rose colored crepe dechine, trimmed with pan velvet and exquisite lace, a pompom of white mousseline de soie making an effective hair ornament. Miss Jones is a beautiful young lady, and she never looked lovelier than as a bride this morning.

The bride is a daughter of Mrs. S.C. Jones and a granddaughter of Capt. John A. Davis. She has enjoyed many social attentions during her young ladyhood, her many charms of character and person drawing to her many staunch and admiring friends.

Mr. Fleming has many friends in this city, where he resided some months ago. He now occupies a responsible position with the Union Lumber Company, of Moultrie. He is a splendid young business man and is rapidly rising in the business world.

No cards were issued to the marriage this morning and the popularity of this young couple was attested by the large number of beautiful bridal presents which they received.

An elegant wedding breakfast was tendered the bridal couple and a few of their friends at Capt. Davis's home after the ceremony.

Mrs. and Mrs. Fleming left this afternoon for their future home in Moultrie, where they are followed by the best wishes of a host of friends, and with these the Herald joins heartily.

Resolution of the Dougherty County Commission
Upon Retirement of James Thomas Fleming

he commissioners have been notified of by Tom Fleming, Clerk, that at the expiration of his present term, he will not seek re-election. We regret that we will lose his services but feel that he has well-earned the ease and leisure that we hope will be his in retirement. Tom Fleming was appointed Clerk July 7, 1941, and will have served continuously up to his retirement. This has been the most important period in the history of the county during which time Doughtery County emerged from a rural to an urban or metropolitan county. The successful and orderly transition was due in great part to the guidance of Tom Fleming. He cooperated with the Board in all county matters pertaining to his office. He was efficient and sincere in the performance of his duty. His knowledge of county affairs and law applicable thereto was of immense value to this Board which often sought his advice and guidance. He possessed an ability and aptitude which peculiarly fitted him for the position as Clerk. He was proud of the progress Doughtery County made during his incumbency. He loved his work and the County and kept constant vigilance to protect its interests and rights. He found his greatest satisfaction in the knowledge that he had measured up to the fullest requirements of the exacting duties of his office. He leaves a record of which he can justly be proud, and which is worthy of being followed by all who may succeed hm as Clerk of the County Commissioners.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in the retirement of Tom Fleming, the County will lose a very valuable officer whose work and advice has been of inestimable value to the Commissioners. With this resolution go our most sincere wishes that many years of retirement may be his and that they will be full of the health and happiness that he deserves.

Let this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Board and a copy mailed to Mr. Tom Fleming.

C.R. Hodges
Chairman

From The Albany Herald, March 23, 1961:

"J. Tom Fleming, guardian of the treasury and keeper of the Dougherty County books for nearly 25 years, will step down from his position as clerk of the Commission and retire effective April 1. The veteran public servant is 83 years old.

A native of Pulaski County, Mr. Fleming is married to an Albanian, the former Miss Josie Beall Jones -- who is the reason he decided back in 1930 to settle down in Albany.

"Actually," declared Mr. Fleming today, "I came here intending to stay a month. I'm still here and have never regretted it."

He joined the county in the purchasing division of the Roads Department. Four years later the County Commission - then composed of M.W. Tift, the late George B. Mock, and Mallory Lippitt -- asked him to take the position of clerk of the Commission.

He took firm control of the handling of the county's many-faceted accounting chores and has been a zealously conscientious custodian of a position of public trust for more than two decades. He is generally accredited with being a prime reason for the county's having maintained a solidly secure financial position throughout his tenure.

"I believe it is safe to say that right now in Dougherty County is in as good a shape as any progressive county in Georgia, and better than most," Mr. Fleming said. "And I am proud of the part I have had in making this true." He estimates that the business of operating the county had quadrupled since he first began handling the many details of the job. Now it is a half-million dollars annual headache -- or at least it would be a headache to one less dedicated and experienced than Mr. Fleming.

"Through income from normal growth and increase in the amount of taxable property in Dougherty County," he explained, "the Commissioner have been able to keep the tax rate low, provide and increase services and maintain a good financial position for the County."

Before coming to Albany, Mr. Fleming resided in Atlanta for many years. He was in charge ... a large jewelry store.

Only two Dougherty County employees -- one elected and one appointed -- have longer periods of service than has Mr. Fleming They are Raymond Wages of the County Farm and Judge Clayton Jones of City Court.

Despite his age, Mr. Fleming always was physically active until undergoing a major operation a few years ago. Prior to his illness, he said, "I could easily play 36 holes of golf or hunt quail all day."

Still weakened by the effects of the illness, he fell two years ago at his home, 817 Society Ave., and broke a hip. But he recovered sufficiently to resume his duties and was welcomed back by the entire Courthouse crew.

County Commissioners told the clerk he could stay on in the job as long as he wanted.

"But it's time to step down," he said. "I hope I have done a good job, and that the people will remember me as a man who took the best interests of this county at heart -- first, last and always."

There is no question about that among the countless citizens who have known Tom Fleming and the work he has down.

Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have a child, J.T. Fleming, Jr., who has retired because of ill health from a position with the U.S. Engineers."

According to entries in the Atlanta City Directory, James Thomas Fleming and his wife lived in Atlanta from 1912 - 1930, and was employed as Secretary-Treasurer of Maier & Berkele Jewelers from 1913 - 1930. In 1912, he was employed as a cashier for F(rank) E Block Co., on at 80 Elliott -- a manufacturer of candy and crackers from 1912 - 1918, they lived on Gordon, in 1919 to E. 8th, in 1920 to Juniper, in 1921, to E. North Avenue, and then from 1922 - 1929 back to Juniper. In 1930, they moved to 235 Carter Avenue, S.E., a half a block off Memorial Drive and 3/4 of a block from the East Lake Country Club.

Obituary, The Albany Herald, December 13, 1962:

Former County Commission
Clerk Succumbs in City

"J.T. Fleming, 85, of 817 Society Ave., former veteran clerk of the Dougherty County Commission, died Tuesday afternoon in Phoebe Putney Hospital following an illness.

Mr. Fleming had been a resident of Albany for the last 32 years. He was born Sept. 18, 1877, in Hawkinsville, and was the son of the late David Greene Fleming and Mildred Jones Fleming. Mr. Fleming served as clerk to the County Commission from 1930 to 1960.

Prior to coming to Albany he was secretary and treasurer of an Atlanta jewelry firm.

Mr. Fleming was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hawkinsville.

Survivors include his wife, the former Josie Beall Jones of Albany; a son, J. T. Fleming, Jr., of Jacksonville, Fla.; a grandson Walter Saunders Fleming of Atlanta, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. at the graveside in Oakview Cemetery by Dr. Leonard A. Stephens, pastor of Central Baptist Church. The following will serve as honorary pallbearers: D.C. Campbell, Sr., J.L. Faircloth, R.E. Brown, W.W. Hardin, J.E. Palmer, J.W. Bush, R.O. Bradley, R.W. Gee, Moreno Lippitt, D.L. Stewart, S.M. (Buddy) Goode, W.A. Threlkeld and members of the County Commission. The family has requested that flowers be omitted.

Kimbrell-Stern funeral directors are in charge of arrangements."

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