East Cobb Couple Celebrates 70 Year Wedding Anniversary

On September 22, 1946, newlyweds Carolyn and
James M. Strickland were just beginning their life
together. Seventy years, two sons and countless
adventures later, this East Cobb couple is celebrating a
lifetime of love.
Introduced by Jim’s brother Bill, this Newnan boy and
Hazelhurst girl met in Atlanta more than seven decades
ago. Now 93, Jim is a decorated veteran who began his
military career as a naval dive bomber in Hawaii. He went
on to serve in WWII as a dive bomber pilot, as a marine
helicopter pilot in the Korean War and eventually as a
helicopter instructor in the army in Ft. Rucker, Alabama.
Jim received The Distinguished Flying Cross for his service
in Korea, the highest medal for flying, in recognition of his
service rescuing the wounded at the forward lines.
Carolyn, 91, was a principal’s assistant in Enterprise,
Alabama, where the Stricklands lived for 50 years before
relocating to East Cobb in 2011. She recalls Jim flying
over their yard years ago in Enterprise while she was
hanging the wash outside, waving as he dipped the heli-
copter slightly in an aerial hello.
The Stricklands moved to East Cobb to be closer to
their sons, James and Steve, who are both in the Marietta
area. They live next door to James, who says he “eats
very well, but it’s a little like being back in high school,
with my mother asking what time I got home last night!”
Always active in their community, Carolyn and Jim
were founding members of Saint Luke Methodist Church
in Enterprise. They sponsored a tree in East Cobb Park
and have bricks in front of The Strand Theatre and in
Centennial Olympic Park.
When asked the secret to their successful 70 year
marriage Jim said, “It’s much like being in the military.

You take your orders from your commander, and I do
exactly what she says.”

The Stricklands participated in the East Cobb Parade held

Sat., Sept 17, with Carolyn 91 driving their 92 Cadillac

Allante convertible with James 93.