Jim Quarles

James H. (Jim) Quarles of Tucker, GA, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at age 89 after an extended illness. His beloved wife of 43 years, Elizabeth P. (Liz) Quarles was by his side.Jim was born in Rome, Georgia, on November 16, 1929, to Horace W. and Frances H. Quarles. He was graduated from Rome High School in 1947 and followed his father into law enforcement at an early age.Jim joined the Georgia State Patrol in 1948 with a first assignment as radio operator in Gainesville, GA. On leave of absence through the years of 1950 - 1952 he served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman at Fort Jackson, S. C. Returning to the Georgia State Patrol after an honorable discharge, Jim rose through the ranks from Trooper to Captain during his 33 year career. He served as Post Commander in Blue Ridge and in Atlanta, as Director of the Driver License Division, the Accident Records Division, and the Safety Education Division all in Atlanta Headquarters. While liaison officer between the State Patrol and the Georgia General Assembly, Captain Quarles was given special recognition by both the House and Senate for his outstanding service. He was active in the Peace Officers Association of Georgia and later in the Senior Retired Troopers and GBI Agents Association.After retirement from the State Patrol in 1981 Jim created his own consultant service to investigate traffic accidents in depth for various law firms. He later accepted the position of Law Enforcement Spokesperson for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. There he promoted seat belt safety and use for many years to law enforcement agencies, schools and the public Retired Captain Quarles ended his careers with a final retirement in 1996 after which he enjoyed life to the fullest.Jim Is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Sara Hajduk, and his daughter, Deborah Jean McKneely. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Palmer Quarles and three sons from a previous marriage, J. Stanley Quarles of Canton, GA, Michael W. Quarles of Laurel, MD, and R. Scott Quarles of Marietta, GA. He has five surviving grandchildren, Jeffrey McKneely (Mandy), Kevin McKneely, Chad Quarles (Maria), Rachel Luebe (Ross), Deborah Jean Quarles, and nine great grandchildren.A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the Tom M. Wages Funeral Home, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville GA 30039. Visitation will be from 1:00 - 2:00 PM followed by a memorial service in the chapel at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in loving memory of Jim to the charity of your choice.Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.Read Obituary