Jimmy Lee Sanford was born on September 17, 1935, in Smithville, Georgia, the first of five children (3 brothers and 1 sister), to his mother Charlie B. Ross and co-parented by a father figure named Reverend James Sanford (who was the only father that Jimmy ever knew). Jimmy had 6 additional siblings (4 sisters and 2 brothers) from the family formed through Reverend Sanford.
Jimmy was baptized at an early age at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He received his formal education while in Georgia before entering the United States Navy at age 17. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Providence, Rhode Island, where he met the love of his life Christine Simmons. To this union four sons were born: Michael, Jimmy Jr., Eric, and Marvin. Jimmy also had an older daughter named Mary prior to meeting his wife. Jimmy worked tirelessly and enjoyed his time serving in the U.S. Navy. As a result, he was given several military awards including a Military Achievement Award, a Good Conduct Medal, several National Defense Service Medals, and a Vietnam Service Medal. Jimmy retired after almost 22 years serving in the Navy. After retiring, Jimmy began working as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service. He retired from the Postal Service after 20 years of dedicated work and service.
Jimmy was a quiet and reserved man who enjoyed spending time with his family, attending family reunions, and playing with his grandchildren when they came to visit. He loved sports and was especially fond of watching and reading about basketball, baseball, football, boxing, and horse racing. In his later years he attended Mt. Eerie Baptist with his wife.
On September 9, 2024, Jimmy was called from labor to eternal rest in San Diego, CA.
He was preceded in death by his mother Charlie and father figure Reverend James Sanford, daughter Mary, 3 brothers; John, Cornelius, and George, and his sons; Michael and Marvin.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 63 years Christine Sanford, his sister Minnie Granberry, sons; Jimmy Jr. and Eric (Robin), and a host of grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
