James “Jim” A. Gill, a longtime advocate for local education and Carrollton City Schools, dedicated more than four decades to serving his community. His central role in establishing the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (ESPLOST) in 1997 left a lasting impact that continues to shape Carroll County today.
Whenever there was a need, Gill was driven to meet it. With his knowledge of finance, he saw an opportunity to support the future goals of local school systems and the broader community. Since the first campaign in 1997, Gill chaired Friends of Education, a group of community members who joined together to promote the passage of ESPLOST.
The ESPLOST is a 1-cent sales tax presented to voters via referendum every five years, which allows school systems to fund school infrastructure needs as a direct result of community growth.
Dr. Ronnie Williams, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools from 1994 to 2001, recalls Gill as an “avid supporter” who worked to utilize Carroll County’s robust economy as a vehicle to improve public education and the community at large.
“Jim Gill was a leader among leaders, with a servant heart,” said Dr. Williams. “He was truly a visionary who knew the direct connection between high-quality schools and having a high-quality community. Jim believed in leaving things better than you found them, and he definitely impacted Carrollton for the better.”
Noting his passion for education, Williams shared that Gill was an altruistic volunteer who consistently lent a helping hand, no matter the task. Investing in the future was always a priority.
Throughout his life, Gill continually advocated for ways to enhance Carroll County’s educational footprint. Primarily focused on ESPLOST, Gill believed that serving one’s community strengthens connections that establish a foundation for success and a thriving community. He worked with leadership across West Georgia to ensure industry invested in public education. Gill had the vision from ESPLOST’s inception that having state-of-the-art venues would attract quality events to choose Carrollton as their host, resulting in increased revenue from tourism that would benefit all of Carroll County. Carrollton High School’s Mabry Center for the Arts and Grisham Stadium renovation were two major projects Gill promoted.
Continuing his father’s legacy, Jay Gill serves as Chairman of the Friends of Education organization.
“Being involved with the last few ESPLOSTs and county SPLOSTs has been an honor and a blessing,” said Jay Gill. “My father was involved in the first campaigns for Carroll County and understood the dividends citizens would receive for generations beyond ours. Jim Gill was a true servant leader who believed in planting seeds for future generations.”
Whether he dressed in a Trojan football uniform to participate in a commercial or volunteered at events throughout town, Gill was committed to supporting Carrollton City Schools. He looked for opportunities to give back to the school’s programs, sponsoring the debate team and various student organizations. In 1995, he was inducted into the Carrollton High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his impactful contributions as a community supporter.
CCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus shared about Gill’s profound influence on education.
“Mr. Gill’s vision and leadership helped shape Carrollton City Schools into what it is today,” said Albertus. “His commitment to education has created opportunities not only for our students, but also elevated our entire community as a model across the state.”
Gill, who passed away August 26, 2025, leaves behind a community that continues to benefit from his decades of commitment to local education. His impact will be felt by Carrollton students and families for generations.
