James Stephen “Jim” Pollak left this earth in the early hours of the morning of October 26, 2026. Born in Braddock, Pennsylvania, to Regina (Jean) and Steve Pollak, he was the pesky but tolerated younger brother of Bob, the probably overprotective older brother to sister, Mary Ann, and human friend to his pet duck, Waddles.

When Jim was 16, his family relocated to Statesboro, Georgia where he attended and graduated from Statesboro High. He received his undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University, and his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. At both of his alma maters, Jim made his mark as the President of various business clubs and fraternities, and as the editor of the Georgia Southern newspaper.

After graduating with his MBA, he worked for the Colgate-Palmolive Company, then enlisted in the Navy, attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. Once commissioned as an officer, he was stationed at the Great Lakes Navy Training Center in Waukegan, IL. In a fortuitous turn of events for his progeny, he was set up on a blind date with local hottie Judy Wisner, whom he wisely locked down. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary next year.

The new couple moved to Rochester, NY where Jim worked for the R.T. French Company on the French’s mustard brand. Jim and Judy welcomed their first daughter, Beth, and then promptly moved back to Statesboro where Jim worked in the Development Office at Georgia Southern. A year later, they moved to Norwalk, Connecticut where Jim entered his Mad Men era, working for J. Walter Thompson Advertising in Manhattan, and daughters Christina and Julie joined the family.

A job transfer in 1976 had the family moving south where Jim joined the new JWT Atlanta office, eventually taking over as manager. Jim remained at JWT until venturing out on his own with partners Bruce Leavitt and Al Chaiet at the aptly named Pollak Leavitt Chaiet Advertising agency. After a long and distinguished career guiding clients including Beautyrest, Orkin, Dunlop, and Kimberly-Clark, Jim retired and devoted himself to providing his management and marketing expertise on committees and boards at Marist School, Lenbrook retirement community, and the Catholic Church of St. Ann. He and Judy also traveled extensively, checking off bucket list visits to Russia and Eastern Europe, Australia, Alaska, and China.

Jim was an active member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, and served as lector, pastoral council member, and Knight of Columbus at both St. Jude and St. Ann Catholic Churches. Always an advocate for education, Jim was a catechist for several generations of young Catholics preparing for their Confirmation (Faith Formation Football, anyone? IYKYK). Jim also passed along his expertise in marketing and branding as the Director of the 4A’s Institute of Advanced Advertising Studies for Young Professionals. And, with an uncanny understanding of an educator’s mandate to meet students where they are, he taught literacy to Navy recruits by having them read Playboy, possibly the only time in history that it really was “for the articles”.

For a guy who lived a pretty big life, his greatest joys were his model trains, rollercoasters, a quiet afternoon poolside at Cherokee Country Club, or a visit with a friend, nephew Eric, or his grandkids. He was never happier than when he drove onto Hilton Head Island and he has passed that love on to his daughters and grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Steve, his brother, Bob, his may-as-well-have-been-a-brother, Bill, and, presumably, Waddles. We are sure that at least some of the aforementioned were waiting for him with mischief in mind when he crossed over.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Judy, daughters Beth (Brant) Meleski, Christina (Jeffrey) Block, and Julie Hoffman; seven grandkids, Christopher, Kate, and Margaret Meleski, Josie and Amelia Block, and Rose and Charley Hoffman, sister, Mary Ann (Jack) Lewis, may-as-well-have-been-a-sister, Peggy Jean (Howard) Hill, as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

We will miss his full body laugh, his quiet love, and his faith. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jim’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Then, at exactly 5:00 p.m., raise a glass of good vodka (on the rocks with a twist) to his memory, and go hug your people.

A mass celebrating Jim’s life will be held at The Catholic Church of St. Ann, 4905 Roswell Road, Marietta, Georgia, on Friday, January 8th at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow.