From Chrissy Vandiver – Benefits & Employee Relations Coordinator – Jackson Energy Authority –
Mr. Joe Exum passed away last night. He would have been 97 years old next month and his mind was still sharp as a tack. Unfortunately, his physical health couldn’t keep up. He was brilliant and innovative and so kind – and I am blessed to have had the privilege to really know him.
Mr. Joe started as an electric Co-op in 1946, He came back as an Electrical Engineer in 1952 and was named Manager of the Electric Department in 1959. He left for a brief two years in 1967 to work in Memphis but returned in 1969 in his same position … as Mr. Bynum (General Manager at the time) never found a replacement for him.
On July 1, 1977, he was named General Manager of Jackson Utility Division and served in that position until he retired on March 31, 1990.
Mr. Joe was one of those people I could listen to talk for hours … so full of wisdom! He never missed a retiree gathering until just recently when his health would no longer allow. JUD/JEA was a huge part of who he was and I can’t say enough great things about his leadership being such a huge part of who we are as a company today.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
(PHOTO: Mr. Joe Exum)
