Franklin – James Paul Councill, III—better known as Jim—was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, faithful servant, and tireless advocate for his community.

Jim was born in Stockton, California during World War II while his father, former Virginia Delegate J. Paul Councill, Jr., was flying air-sea rescue missions in the Pacific. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1963, where he developed the character, leadership, and integrity that would define his life, while also playing football and basketball. He went on to earn a degree in History and Political Science from Hampden–Sydney College in 1967.

The Outer Banks has hosted generations of Councills for summer vacations, and in the summer of 1965, Jim met Dorothy "Bambi" Trotman one evening at the Croatan Hotel. From that moment, the two fell deeply in love and began a devoted long-distance courtship. They married in 1968 and would return to Nags Head together for the next 58 years, creating a lifetime of memories with their growing family. Jim adored Bambi and spent his life serving her with unwavering loyalty, gentleness, and respect. Their marriage of 57 years was the foundation of his life and the model he set for his children.

Following college graduation, Jim served ten years in the United States Air Force in Charleston, South Carolina, where he worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer on C-141s and C-5s. Even during these years of service, family remained his priority, and he worked tirelessly to provide for and protect those he loved.

In 1978, Jim and Bambi returned home to Franklin, where Jim began a fifty-year career in the financial services field as a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim served eight years as Bishop of the Franklin congregation and ten years as a counselor in the Chesapeake Stake Presidency, overseeing eleven congregations across Virginia and North Carolina. His faith guided every aspect of his life, especially his commitment to loving and serving his family.

Jim loved Franklin deeply and committed himself wholeheartedly to serving the community and his church. He served as President of the Franklin Rotary Club, co-founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia, served on the Virginia State YMCA Board, and co-founded the Boys & Girls Club with Jerry Friga.

In 1996, Jim was asked to run for Mayor of Franklin, a challenge he readily accepted. For sixteen years, Mayor Councill served the city, the region, and the state with humility and resolve. Alongside City Manager Bucky Taylor and a dedicated group of citizens, he led Franklin through the devastating floods of Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Isabel in 2006. His relationships throughout Hampton Roads proved invaluable during these difficult times.

Recognizing the importance of education, Jim and Bucky Taylor created the Smart Beginnings Program to strengthen early childhood education in Franklin. The program expanded to include Southampton and Isle of Wight Counties and was eventually adopted across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jim served nine years on the Virginia Municipal League, culminating his tenure as President of this statewide organization representing cities and towns across Virginia.

As much as Jim loved seeing his community succeed, his greatest joy was his family. In 1985, Jim and Bambi became the stewards of Boxwood Farm, the 250-acre property purchased in 1932 by his grandparents, James Paul Councill, Sr and Irva Winslow Councill. Jim viewed Boxwood not simply as a family home, but as a small and meaningful piece of Virginia history entrusted to his care. With deep respect for its past, he worked tirelessly to preserve the original character of the house, the boxwood gardens, and the historic outbuildings, ensuring that the story of the land and those who came before him would endure. Together, Jim and Bambi generously shared Boxwood Farm with the community, hosting countless gatherings—garden clubs, holidays, celebrations, and teenage get-togethers—filling the historic grounds with life, laughter, and love as it served as a home for five generations of Councills.

Jim found immense fulfillment in serving others—in business, in the church, in public office—but nowhere was his service more evident than in his devotion to his wife and children. Jim was the biggest fan of his five children, faithfully cheering them on at countless sporting events, performances, and milestones. Jim was present—always showing up, always encouraging, always believing. He delighted in being a father and later a grandfather, investing time, wisdom, and love into each generation. His children knew him as a steady source of guidance and support.

Guided by the example of his parents, Jim lived by the belief that "when you are in the service of your fellow man, you are only in the service of your God."

Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, J. Paul and Patricia Councill. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Dorothy Trotman Councill; his sons Jay (Jill), Will (Arwen), Clay (Jennie), Jordan (Kristy), and daughter Ann Brown (Ryan); his grandchildren Enoch (Ari), Adelynn (Jeff), Keller (Bella), Win, Bayli, Chandlyr, Greyson, Jack, Madeline, Owen, Virginia Ann, Davis, Julia, Harper, Hodges, Blaire, Zuri, and Maverick; and his great-grandchildren Rhett, Conrad, Magnolia, Emelia, and Eris.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 309 Homestead Lane, Franklin.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and on Monday night from 6 to 8PM in Wright Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or any favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org