Members of the Piedmont Chapter Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution recently honored one of their own on November 4, 2006. James R. "Jake" Colvin a native of Lincoln County. A former member and World War II hero, he was honored at a grave marking service conducted by the Sons of the American Revolution. The dedication service was held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.

Representatives from several patriotic organizations participated in the service. Ron and Connie Aylor performed with fife and drum, highlighting the dignity of the occasion. Also participating in the service was the award winning Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard who were dressed in period uniforms.

The color guard included Paul Prescott, commander, deputy commander, Charlie Newcomer, guardsmen Kendall Abbott, Glynn Acree, Revis Butler, Jack Ferguson, Terry Manning, John Mortison, Bob Sapp, Billy Templeton, George Thurmond, George Wheeless and Rhett Williamson.

Georgia Society president George Wheeless gave a dedication statement, reminding the attendees of the contributions of compatriots Colvin.

LTC Hal Dayhuff, friend and fellow compatriot, presented the biography of Colvin.

Mr. Colvin was born at White Rock in Lincoln County on September 4, 1916 to the late Robert Lee and Nancy Jane Hogan Colvin.

He was the valedictorian of his 1933 class of Lincolnton High School. In 1937 he was awarded, with honors, an AB Degree from the University of Georgia in Athens. His college medals and awards included Demonsthenian Key, Freshman Debating Key, Championship Debating Team and The William Jennings Bryan Award in history. He also held the LLB and LLM degrees from Atlanta Law School.

Compatriot Colvin was the beloved principal and teacher of Fayette County High School for four years. During World War II, he was drafted into the United States Army where he was a loyal patriot who served his country with distinction. Within sixteen months, he rose in rank from private to captain. On April 10, 1942, he was selected commanding officer for the day for his graduation exercises

from Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning. This was in recognition of his being the first honor graduate of the OCS Class.

He was chosen to be the Company Commander of 3rd Battalion, 338th Infantry of the 85th Division and served on foreign fields of Africa and Italy for two and one-half years. Though he was seriously wounded south of Rome, Italy on May 31, 1944, he later returned to his unit. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf cluster, the European Theater Ribbon and three campaign stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation Award, and the Victory Medal and other service ribbons.

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Compatriot Colvin continued to serve his country through employment with Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs in Atlanta. For twenty-one years he held several positions of management with Lockheed. Following early retirement, he was employed by the Georgia State Crime Commission as a senior partner.

He was an active member of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church where he held many positions of leadership and was a proud member of the Apelles Sunday School Class. He was honored to be inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution, joining the Piedmont Chapter on February 2, 2001. He was a descendent of Patriot Samuel Hawes from Essex, Virginia.

Survivors include his wife, Lois of 52 years, two daughters, Beth Colvin Huff and Jan Colvin Davenport, two grandchildren, Melanie Elizabeth Davenport and Tyler Colvin Davenport, two son-in-laws, Dr. John Huff and David Davenport, two sisters, Etta E. Holmes and Martha C. Wynne and many nieces and nephews.

Jake was a committed follower of Christ; an obedient and appreciative son; a loving husband; proud father; adoring grandfather; courageous and preserving soldier and citizen; a loyal friend and a teacher who challenged his students.

The service concluded with Piedmont Chapter President Von Starkey stating, "We pause today to remember and reflect the memory of one of our own compatriots who has slipped from our midst. Jake, we are here to remember the deeds that you accomplished and we appreciate your membership in the Piedmont Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution."

Compatriot Colvin joined the SAR in 2001 under Patriot Samuel Hawes, who was commissioned as Captain, 2nd Virginia Regiment on February 19, 1776. Patriot Hawes continued to serve until the close of the war at which time he ranked as a Lieutenant Colonel. Samuel Hawes was born in Essex County, Virginia in 1759 and died in August 1786 in Essex County, Virginia.

Col. Carl Tanner, Eric Thorstenberg, Jim McIntire, Bob Shaw, Paul Simpson, Harold McPheeters and Billy Holcombe served as Escort Officers assisting wreath presenters. Compatriot Eric Thorstenberg carried a flag flown over the United States Capital September 7, 1998, for the Piedmont Chapter in honor of all Revolutionary War patriots buried in Georgia. COL Carl Tanner carried a flag that was flown over the United States Capital for the Piedmont Chapter on the 200th anniversary of the death of George Washington, December 14, 1999.

Following the playing of Amazing Grace by bagpiper John Mortison, a black powder gun salute was fired by the Elijah Clarke Militia, led by Charlie Newcomer.

Paul Simpson presented Mrs. Colvin with a flag flown over the United State Capital and a framed certificate in appreciation of the membership of her husband. Chaplain Bill Walker began the service with an inspiring invocation, concluding with the benediction.

The member grave marker is a distinctive bronze marker, which depicts the familiar Continental soldier with

his musket ready to defend his country. The marker consists of four arms and eight points, each point being decorated with a gold head. The source of the cross is connected with a circular laurel wreath, a Napoleonic symbol recognizing faithful service and merit. The year 1775 is inscribed at the base - the year the "shot heard round the world" was fired at Lexington Green, Massachusetts.

Special guests attending were Lois J. Colvin, Jan Colvin Davenport and Tyler Colvin Davenport - wife, daughter, and grandson of James R. Colvin.