In the late summer of 2014, the community of Greensboro, Georgia, was shaken by the unexpected death of a prominent legal figure. Honorable Judge James L. 'Jim' Cline, Jr., a 62-year-old male, was found deceased in his home on the evening of Thursday, August 21, 2014. His death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, a conclusion reached after an autopsy was performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Judge Cline was a well-respected and beloved figure in the judicial community and beyond. Born on April 17, 1952, he had built a distinguished career in law. After earning his law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, he established his first practice in Greensboro. He went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit and later for Bibb County. In 1995, then-Governor Zell Miller appointed him as a Superior Court Judge for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, a position he held with distinction. His jurisdiction covered eight counties in central Georgia.
Beyond his professional life, Jim Cline was known for his varied interests and warm personality. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for cooking and was locally famous for his barbecue sauce. His friends and colleagues remembered him for his humor and candor. His sudden death was a profound loss for his family, friends, and the many communities he served throughout his career. At the time of his death, there was no indication of foul play, and consequently, no arrests were made nor were any suspects sought in connection with the incident.
