Columbus, GA - James Dixon Belk Obituary

James Dixon Belk, 79, of Columbus, GA died Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA.

Dixon, as he was known to most of his family and friends, was born June 16, 1945, in Columbus, GA. He was the son of Franklin Paul Belk and Frances Callahan Belk. Dixon was a veteran of the Army National Guard. He graduated from Mercer University and Mercer Law School. After graduation he served as an assistant District Attorney in Muscogee county prior to moving to Manchester, GA. He, along with Claude Bray, Jr., practiced law at Bray and Belk for fourteen years. Dixon later was appointed as Judge for the State Board Worker's Compensation and also served as Chief Judge, a position he held for over 30 years prior to his retirement.

He was a member of the Georgia Bar Association, former member of the Manchester Lions Club, "Pilot Club Citizen of the Year, 1977-1978, Jaycee Young Man of the Year, 1979 and Woodman of the World Outstanding Citizen of the Year, 1980. Dixon was a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church in Dalton, GA.

Beverly and Dixon returned to Columbus, Ga., in 2024, to live at Spring Harbor at Green Island, enjoying retirement and renewing old friendships including many old friends from Columbus High School.

Dixon was a man of many interest and abilities. He and his brother, Leon, built a lake house on Lake Oliver single-handedly which has always been a haven for his family and legions of friends to enjoy for the past 50 years. Dixon was an avid hunter, master gardener, BBQ expert, builder, historian and protector of those who couldn't fight for themselves, passing many of these traits onto his three sons.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Acton Belk of Columbus, GA, his three sons James Dixon Belk, Jr. of Newnan, GA, Franklin Paul Belk, III and his wife Amy of Clarksville, GA, Ryan Acton Belk and his wife Kim of Cohutta, GA and special son Stephen C. Acton of Ukiah, CA, brothers Franklin Paul Belk, Jr. and his wife Peggy of Dalton, GA and Leon Pierce Belk and his wife Marsha of Columbus, GA, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, May 19, 2025, at First Methodist Church, Manchester, GA. The family will receive friends one hour prior and immediately following the service. Flowers will be accepted but those who wish may donate to the Providence Ministries 711 South Hamilton Street Dalton, GA 30720 or providenceministriesinc.com.

The Belk family is being assisted by Cox Funeral Home in Manchester, GA. The family requests that you please sign the online registry and leave condolences on the tribute wall page.