James Nelson Mauriocourt

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22

James Nelson Mauriocourt went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 19, 2026. He was born September 22, 1928 at home in Atlanta, Georgia, to Arthur R. Mauriocourt and Hortence Head Porter.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kay Sylvia Mauriocourt; his daughters, Paige McIntosh (David), Lisa Moss, and Pamela Bennett; his grandchildren, Craig McIntosh, John McIntosh, Melissa Moss Ginnard (Andrew), Olivia Bennett and Jake Bennett; his great-grandchildren, James Ginnard and Benjamin Ginnard. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Wiley Garrick Moss.

James attended Kirkwood School in Atlanta through 5th grade, followed by Harris Street Grammar School and Russell High School in East Point. His family later moved to Moultrie, Georgia, where he graduated from Moultrie High School in 1945.

In his early childhood while living in Kirkwood, there was a neighborhood grocery store called Flemings General Store. One of the Fleming family members, Bill Fleming, taught James to play the piano on his baby grand. James quickly developed a remarkable ability to play by ear and could hear a song once and reproduce it on the piano. His first sheet music was “Shortnin’ Bread”.

After graduation, James returned to Atlanta to attend Emory University then transferred to the University of Georgia. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated in December 1949 with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Following graduation, he began a long career with Dennison/Avery Manufacturing Company, serving as a traveling salesman for over 42 years across Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Massachusetts. His career was paused when he was drafted into the Army from 1950 to 1952, where he served at Fort Jackson, Fort Knox, and Fort McPherson with the 3rd Army headquarters, overseeing IBM machines in the 332 Machine Records unit.

In 1960, while living in the Twin Oaks Apartments near Decatur and Avondale Estates, James met the love of his life, Kay, who was a medical technologist at the Veterans Affairs hospital. After an evening spent with friends and talking at an ice skating rink, they began a six-month courtship and married in November 1961. Together, they raised three daughters Paige, Lisa, and Pamela. They expanded their professional life by opening two shoe stores in Dunwoody and Norcross called Shoecase Inc., while James continued his tenure at Dennison.

His spiritual life was a cornerstone of his journey. Although baptized in early childhood at East Point First Baptist Church, James would tell you that his personal relationship with Jesus Christ truly began in his early 40s during a Christian weekend retreat called Cursillo, where he later served as Rector. He became deeply involved in church life, serving as a deacon at both First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody Baptist Church, and contributing his time to the Benevolence committee. For over 15 years, he attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) with his lifelong friend and co-worker, Frank Self; these Monday night sessions, often followed by coffee at Chick-fil-A, were vital to his growth. His daughter, Lisa, attended women’s BSF in Louisiana and in Michigan and this was often a topic of conversation and a way to share their faith with one another as father and daughter from afar. He remained a dedicated member of the Men’s Friday Morning Huddle and the Samaritan class at Dunwoody Baptist Church, which became his cherished church family.

His love for the piano remained a consistent joy throughout his life, serving as his gift from God and a way to connect with others. Whether it was his personal release after a long workday, playing at Christmas for his family, or providing music for church services well into his 90s, he found great purpose in his music. He particularly loved playing patriotic songs and assembling medleys of old hymns. It was always a source of immense joy to watch him play, as his music served as a bridge that brought happiness to everyone around him, reflecting his desire to share the Lord’s love with strangers, friends, and family.

James was a devoted husband and father who lived a full life of 97 years. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and encouragement, having planted many seeds of belief in those he loved and many others he met along the way. He was faithful to encourage and bring his wife and children to grow closer to Jesus Christ. We are grateful for his witness, his music, and his unwavering dedication to his family and his Savior. We love you and will miss you so much! “God saw everything you did”. Well done, good and faithful servant.

My Prayer

Gracious Lord, help us know that we belong to You. Give us a clear view of Your real nature as our Father. Help us to be obedient children and true to the highest we know. Forgive us if we complain too much about life. Help us to remember Thy goodness and preserving Providence in the past. You have been our comfort in sorrow, our peace in the midst of storm, our strength when the burdens of life were heavy and our hope in times of anxiety. We do not ask to escape out of each day but pray for the wisdom to get out of each day the blessing you have for us. Help us to live in such a way that we will be a blessing to others. Amen!

This was a copy of a prayer from “Light for Living” dated 1988 that James circled and kept in his bible. In 1988 he was 60 years old.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dunwoody Baptist Church benevolence in memory of James Nelson Mariocourt.