Honoring James (Jim) Pack: A Life of Service and Generosity

Some people leave footprints that fade with time. Others, like James (Jim) Ferguson Pack, leave behind legacies that continue to shape the world long after they’ve gone. 

Jim, who passed away peacefully at his home in Lawrenceville on May 15, 2024, at the age of 90, was one of those rare individuals. Known for his sharp mind, generous spirit and deep dedication to his community, Pack’s life was a testament to what it means to give freely — and to build something lasting.

In 1985, Jim became one of the nine founding board members of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG), laying the groundwork for an organization that has helped channel millions of dollars to local causes. His leadership and guidance were instrumental in establishing the Community Foundation’s roots. 

Even after stepping down from the board, Jim remained a steadfast supporter. He once said, “After much thought and research I determined that the Foundation was the most convenient and efficient way to manage my charitable giving.”

An extraordinary part of his story? His generosity didn’t end with his life — through his estate, he has ensured that the mission of the Community Foundation will continue for generations through his $1.5 million gift.

“Jim wasn’t just building something for today — he had the vision to see what the community would need long into the future,” says DePriest Waddy, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. “His gift speaks volumes about who he was, ensuring his generosity will impact this community for years to come.”

Jim’s contributions went far beyond the Community Foundation. As the CEO and Chairman of Gwinnett Federal Savings Bank for 28 years, he helped steer the bank — and Gwinnett County as a whole — through decades of growth and change. 

After retiring in 1995, Pack didn’t slow down. He continued to be active in real estate, local government and charitable efforts, working with organizations like Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts and Rotary. In recognition of his service, the Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club Teen Center was named in his honor.

But Jim’s impact wasn’t just about titles or accolades. He was a man who valued relationships, rarely missing a Saturday breakfast with friends at Dicky Doo’s Diner. He was also a lifelong learner, who found joy in history, travel and faith — once walking the streets of Jerusalem with his brother to trace the steps of Jesus.

His family remembers him as a devoted father, stepfather and grandfather who balanced a life of service with deep personal connections. His children, Lynn and James, along with his stepchildren and grandchildren and extended family, now carry forward the lessons of love and generosity he modeled every day.

For the Community Foundation, Jim’s $1.5 million gift is not just a financial contribution — it’s a continuation of his life’s work. “Jim’s generosity didn’t stop with his passing,” DePriest reflects. “He has left a legacy that ensures the causes he cared about will continue to grow and thrive.”

Jim Pack’s life reminds us that true wealth lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we give. And through the lives he touched and the community he built, his legacy will live on — steadily, generously and with lasting impact.