Columbus community gathers to mourn the loss of former police chief and mayor

The Columbus community gathered Thursday afternoon to mourn the passing of a beloved man who once was their police chief and later their mayor.

Jim Wetherington, 87, died at home Monday after being in declining health for several months, the Ledger-Enquirer reported.

Wetherington served in the Army as a military police officer after graduating from Campbellton High School in Florida. His service included a stint at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Wetherington joined the Columbus Police Department in 1963 as a patrolman and rose through the ranks, eventually being appointed to police chief in 1981 by then-mayor Harry Jackson. Wetherington retired from being police chief in 1995.

He was later elected as the 67th mayor of Columbus and served from 2007-11.

Attendees fought the colder temperatures as they walked into the church to pay their final respects to Wetherington.

The sky shone a CPD blue over the skies of First Baptist Church without a cloud in sight.

Rays of sunlight beamed through the stained glass window, depicting what appeared to be an olive branch casting rainbows on the carpet and walls beneath.

The olive branch was one of the first signs brought to Noah showing him the flood was residing and the rainbow the subsequent covenant that God would never again flood the earth.

The gentle notes of a piano reverberated off the walls of the chapel.

Dr. Jimmy Elder spoke about Wetherington and cited a poem saying, “A good man has heritage beyond the grave.”

“Today we remember a very good man, Jim Wetherington,” Elder said after the poem.

Elder said attendees were part of a historical event, saying: “The truth of the matter is, some of the things that he did will be woven into the fabric of this community, this state and in law enforcement forever.”

He described Wetherington as an, “important, effective and influential man,” later saying Wetherington deserves to be recognized as the great man he was in the public arena.

Elder shared stories of Wetherington, including the time someone told him that they had gotten a ticket from Wetherington while he was on the force. The person told Elder they didn’t mind because they knew they deserved it if Wetherington was the one who made the stop.

Wetherhington’s family described him as a gentle giant, but someone who could give you a pat on the back that would knock the wind out of you, Elder said.

Elder also shared the pride Wetherington had for his wife of 67 years, Shirley. After going to breakfast with Wetherington one morning, Elder said Wetherington said he wanted to show him one more thing.

They rode to the plumbing supply business Shirley Wetherington had founded, and Jim Wetherington proceeded to brag about his wife. After Wetherington told Elder the story of the business’ founding, he looked at Elder, grinned and said: “Never underestimate Shirley.”

Judy Thomas was Wetherington’s executive assistant while he was mayor.

Elder said Thomas told him after Wetherington’s death, “The world will never really know the impact of Jim Wetherington’s life.”

Attendees rose as Wetherington’s flag-draped casket headed down the aisle and out the door. Standing outside were local law enforcement officials, city leaders and others lined up in reverence for Wetherington.

The roar of CPD motorcycles coming to life was followed by sirens as the motorcade left with the hearse carrying Wetherington right behind, carrying him to his final resting place.

Wetherington’s other accomplishments

Wetherington was appointed to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles in 1995. He served three years. He later served four years as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections after being appointed in 1999.

The Ledger-Enquirer reported Wetherington’s awards, including:

• 1995 Columbusite of the Year from readers of Columbus and the Valley Magazine
• 1994 Police Chief of the Year from the Georgia Police Chiefs Association
• 1987 Boss of the Year from the Sojourner Chapter of American Business Women’s Association
• 1986 Outstanding Man of the Year from the Columbus American Legion
• 1984 Distinguished Alumni Award from Columbus State University
• 1967 Police Officer of the Year from the Exchange Club of Columbus.

During his tenure as police chief, he was credited with:

• Developing a new promotional system to eliminate appointed ranks, which helped increase the number of promoted minorities.
• Implementing the Crime Prevention Unit.
• Creating the Neighborhood Watch Program, Crime Stoppers, Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE), Gang Task Force and the Juvenile Diversion Program.
• Upgrading training facilities.
• Obtaining national accreditation for CPD.
• Helping form the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University.

Ledger-Enquirer reporter Mark Rice contributed to this report.