James Robert “Jim” Torbert of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024 when his heart was done fighting. This was just one day after celebrating his 80th birthday with his family. Jim, also affectionately known as Torbie, Dad, Grandpa, Big Jim, “Mom” (to his Army brothers), and Captain, could light up a room with his positive energy. When you greeted him and asked how he was doing, he would always respond with an enthusiastic, “SUPER!” He leaves a lasting legacy on the hearts and lives of all who knew him.
Jim was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He played basketball, baseball, football, and golf at Brentwood High School. His basketball success led him to college at Texas Christian University, where he played basketball and baseball for the Horned Frogs and coached the TCU freshman basketball team in addition to being an active member and President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity chapter. During college, he joined the ROTC and learned to fly. Upon his graduation from TCU, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. In November of 1968, he began his 1-year tour of duty in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he piloted “Hueys” for the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, was promoted to Captain, and was awarded the Bronze Star. The mission of the 281st was to support the 5th Special Forces Group (The Green Berets) and provide flight support for Project Delta (the predecessors of the US Army Delta Force). He completed his army service at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and was honorably discharged.
After the Army, Jim moved back to St. Louis, Missouri and became Director of Admissions at Maryville University. In 1971, he met the love of his life, Marilyn. They married and moved to Dallas, Texas in 1973. Jim and Marilyn lived in Dallas for 19 years, where they had their three children. They were active members at Disciples Christian Church in Plano, Texas. In 1992, Jim’s job with Northern Telecom moved the family to Atlanta, Georgia. After his early retirement, Jim enjoyed his post-retirement careers at both Campbell Stone Senior Apartments and Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs.
The family joined Sandy Springs Christian Church, where Jim was a member and leader for over 30 years. He volunteered his time, talent, and love in many ways: preparing and serving countless meals in the church kitchen, cooking for many Mexico mission trips, supporting veterans’ organizations and the USO, and speaking in schools about his experience in Vietnam. He lived a life serving God, others, and country.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Robin Torbert, and his sister, Jacque Tindel. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Torbert; his children and their spouses Julie Linsley (Kenneth), James Robert Torbert, Jr. (Tiffany), and Andy Torbert (Sara); grandchildren, Walker, Tate, and Madelyn Linsley, Campbell, Ellis, and James Torbert, Suzanna and Brooks Torbert; and brother, John Torbert (Debbie). He is also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends.
Jim was laid to rest with his fellow Veterans with military honors on Friday, March 22, at Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA