James "Jim" Paul Strickland, 70, of Columbus, GA., died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at Columbus Hospice House. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road Chapel with Rev. Paul Thomas officiating. Interment to follow in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends today, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Strickland was born July 27, 1937, in Finley, Tenn. He was semi-retired as a sales representative with Rusken Packaging and attended Evangel Temple. Mr. Strickland played professional baseball with the Dodger Organization in his younger years. He was an avid golfer and was a Charter Member of Maple Ridge Golf Club. He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Strickland of Columbus; a son, Steve Strickland and his wife Stefanie of Niceville, Fla., a daughter, Deb Taylor; three grandchildren: Caroline Strickland, Josh Taylor, and Ivy Taylor; stepchildren: Tonya McLemore and her husband John Sr. of Fortson, Chris Norman and his wife Tammy of Fortson; and four step grandchildren: Brooke McLemore, John McLemore II, Bailey McLemore, and Stephen Norman; and cherished family in Tennessee. Those so desiring may make contributions to Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, Ga., 31909. Please sign the online guest registry at www.mem.com.