What makes a purpose-filled life? Jim and Julie Tidwell are living examples. For decades, the Tidwell extended family has loved and served the Greater Atlanta Christian community. Time and again, they have demonstrated enduring care with their humble leadership, advice, and personal sacrifice to advance GAC’s mission. As GAC parents initially, then GAC grandparents, Jim and Julie have been committed to generations of GAC students and families. Today, there’s hardly a place or program within GAC that’s not been made better in some manner by their care.

Because of their support of both today’s Light The Way Capital Campaign and their unwavering support of the past 40-plus years, the GACS Board of Trustees has announced that one of GAC’s central campus buildings will be named the Jim and Julie Tidwell Commons. This is especially inspiring as Tidwell Commons serves as the centerpiece building for Middle and High School students. Based on the continued success of the Light The Way Campaign, the school plans to dramatically advance and renovate Tidwell Commons to match the best practices in learning for the coming decade.

“In board meetings, I noticed a quiet practice of Jim’s that influenced me more than once. On occasion in a board committee meeting, Jim would listen quietly yet not comment. After the gathering ended, he would take me aside and offer suggestions that were among the best of the day. I was always grateful for his ideas – that often ended up becoming GAC practice.” - Dr. David Fincher, Chancellor (GAC President 1998-2018)

Arriving as parents in the mid-1970s, Jim and Julie brought their four children, Jenny (‘80), Jan (‘82), Jodi (‘93), and Jimmy (‘95) to a young GAC with approximately 600 students at the time. They quickly became active and involved GAC parents, and great encouragers to all who knew them. Jim Tidwell was asked to join the Board of Trustees in 1980 – and has served continuously ever since. Through the years, he has been a key advisor to all three GAC presidents as a Board Officer, and a voice of wisdom within the GAC board.

“Jim and Julie have served GAC for many years faithfully. Their belief in and support of Christian Education has inspired not only me but many others. I am grateful for Jim’s continued wisdom on the Board. We are honored to have the Jim and Julie Tidwell Commons as a central hub of campus life.” - Dr. Scott Harsh, GAC President

While they have always been advocates of superb academics, athletics, and GAC’s total program, Jim and Julie are guided first by their deep faith in Christ and desire to raise a generation who loves Jesus and lives for Him. Discipleship has mattered most to them, and their outlook has encouraged GAC to pursue a faith-filled worldview and experience for every student. They encouraged GAC through their words of affirmation and financial support to launch the GAC Dyslexia Program, so that children who needed extra learning support could stay in the Christian environment at GAC instead of having to leave for a few years. Like their parents, the Tidwell adult children have stayed involved in GAC through the years. Jan Tidwell Stewart (‘82) served previously as a leader of Mom’s Bible Study and spoke recently at the GAC Women in Christ dinner. Jan’s husband Dr. Todd Stewart (‘82) serves as Vice Chair of the GACS Board of Trustees and on the GAC Foundation Board of Directors, and they are parents of two alumni, Savannah (‘14) and Jacob (‘17). Jodi Tidwell Webb (‘93) is a key partner in the GAC Advancement Office. She and her husband John are involved as parents of GAC eighth graders Henry and Julia. Son Jimmy Tidwell (‘95) and daughter Jenny Tidwell (‘80) have also been supportive of their alma mater attending events for their nieces and nephews.

Purpose-filled lives make a mighty difference. The GAC community has been transformed by the godly hearts, wisdom, and sacrificial spirit of Jim and Julie Tidwell. Their inspiring lives call us all up to join them and Light The Way.

“Jim Tidwell was a valuable member of the GACS Board of Directors. He was active on several board committees with special duties in the field of public relations and fund-raising. His standing and reputation in the business world helped bring respect for the school. His participation on the board encouraged parents to have confidence in GACS as a good place for their children and inspired donors to give to support the school.” Jesse Long, Founding President (1963-1998) - GACS The Early Days, A Memoir (2008)

Jim Tidwell