James Dominic Battaglia, Jr.

James “Jim” Dominic Battaglia, Jr. of Jackson, Georgia died at home Sunday, January 29, 2023.

Jim, the son of the late Dr. James Battaglia, Sr. of Marco Island, FL and the late Ms. Dorothy Virginia Thomas Battaglia of Lynn Haven, FL, was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  After a few years in Westfield, NJ, the family moved to a farm in Watchung, NJ. Jim, called Buddy by family, grew up there with his two sisters, brother, parents, and surrounded by his beloved animals. In 1965, Jim graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA. He attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland for a brief time, but earned a degree from Gulf Coast Junior College in 1970. In Atlanta, he worked as a waiter and restaurant manager at the Marriott Hotel and Ritz Carlton downtown. He spent most of his working life as a machinist and worked for a variety of industries in the Atlanta area, one being Snapper in McDonough, GA.

Jim loved being a community member of Jackson. He enjoyed fishing, boating and spending time on the front porch of his Lake Jackson cabin. He wore his Jackson Lake hat everywhere we went and with great pride, delighted in telling people about his little slice of heaven.  Jim was known for his sense of humor, his generosity, and his love for his family.

Survivors include his wife Loan Vu Battaglia of Jackson, GA; daughters: Angela Battaglia (Andy) Dean of Athens, GA; and Elizabeth Battaglia (Dan) Dagen of Panama City, Florida; sisters: Dr. Barbara Battaglia (Larry) Newton of Marietta, Ga; and Mary Lynn Battaglia (Dick) Fruit of Chagrin Falls, OH; brother: Pete (Rene) Battaglia of Plant City, FL; grandchildren: Morgan and Savannah Dagen; and one great granddaughter: Alice Grice of Panama City, FL.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the historic Indian Springs Baptist Church, 1835A Hwy 42 South, Flovilla, Ga; the family will receive those who would like to gather after the service at picnic shelter 5 at Indian Springs State Park.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Georgia Conservancy , a cause dear to Jim’s heart.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements.