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Jimmy (Jim) Edward Overman, 53, of Bainbridge, GA passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024, doing what he loved: hunting.

Jim was born in Selmer, TN on July 27, 1970, to Bonita Overman and Jimmy Steakley. He was the oldest of 4. He grew up in Selmer, raised by Bonita and Glenn Overman. He found his love for fishing and hunting at a young age as his father and grandfather were his first mentors. It was in the McNairy County school system that he met Joan, who would later become his wife. His passion for the outdoors led him to pursue a Wildlife Biology degree at the University of Tennessee Martin. At UT, he joined the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity as well as the collegiate TaeKwonDo team. After graduating with their respective degrees, Jim and Joan married on May 16, 1992, in Selmer, TN. They moved to Daphne, AL, and there, they had two kids. While living in Daphne, Jim pursued his Masters in Chemistry and Business Administration at the University of South Alabama and started his career in chemical sales & testing. After 5 years, the family moved to Bainbridge, GA where they had their last two kids, and Jim continued working in chemical sales & testing for the next 26 years.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and wildlife conservationist. He held the state record for largest alligator harvested in GA for several years. He had the opportunity to hunt and fish in over twenty states including Hawaii and Alaska. He was always happy to help high school students develop their resumes, college applications, and interview skills. He was active in the community as he loved teaching and lived the quote “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” He was known as a great storyteller and never met a stranger.

He is predeceased by his father, Jimmy Steakley and stepbrother, Arthur Glenn Overman Jr. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 31 years, Joan Overman; his children, Scott Overman, Jill Kirk and her husband Brandon Kirk, Paige Overman, and Kara Overman; his parents Bonita and Glenn Overman; and his brothers, Eric Overman and Justin Steakley.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a public visitation on Friday, February 9 from 5-7PM at Bryant Funeral Home, 105 N. Florida St, Bainbridge, GA. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, February 10 at 2PM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1207 Randolph St, Bainbridge, GA. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 24, from 11:30AM-1:30PM at the First Baptist Church of Selmer, 310 W Court Ave, Selmer, TN 38375.

As we reflect upon his legacy, his love for the outdoors has inspired us to ask for donations in lieu of flowers to further inspire generations. All money will go to Silver Lake WMA in remembrance of Jim Overman. They are working with the family on programs for youth/handicap hunters and to promote education of wildlife in his honor. You can contribute by going to https://gofund.me/638410e2. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com.