WORTH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — New details have been released by the Georgia State Patrol following a deadly April 1 crash that claimed the life of a Worth County social studies teacher.

GSP said the accident was a two-vehicle crash on Highway 300 near the GA-32 intersection on Wednesday at about 4:30 p.m.

Worth County High School social studies teacher Jim “Jimbo” Houston died following the crash, sheriff’s office and school officials confirmed.

>> Worth Co. Schools mourn loss of social studies teacher <<

The school system released the following statement regarding Houston’s death:

GSP released Thursday morning that Houston’s Chevrolet pickup truck was struck from the rear by a Toyota SUV. The collision reportedly caused Houston’s truck to travel off the roadway and into a tree.

Houston died from his injuries at the hospital, according to GSP.

GSP said the Toyota driver, Michael Corey Mathews, was under the influence and has been charged with misdemeanor DUI.

Additional charges are expected as early as Friday, according to GSP.

The Worth County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a warrant has been issued for first-degree homicide by vehicle.

Community remembers longtime educator

Houston taught social studies at Worth County High School for more than 30 years. Since Wednesday, messages of love have poured in online, remembering his fun-loving spirit and caring nature.

Longtime friend Jerry Sutton, whose son was taught by Houston, said he “adopted everyone” — showing up for the people around him, always with a joke ready.

“He always was humorous in his life. I think Jim lived his life every day,” Sutton said. “He was looking forward to retirement one more year. I said, Jim, go ahead and retire. No, Miss Jerry, I’m going to do one more year. I want to get my 30.”

Friends said they are especially thinking about the students — former and current — who Houston cared for so deeply.

“He was a community pillar. He was somebody that our kids, when they couldn’t look up and talk to us, they could go to Mr. Alston or to their Jimbo,” said Betty Dorsey, a longtime friend. “To some of those kids, he was their dad. To other kids, they were his Uncle Jim. Uncle Jimbo. He was a kid at heart. He took his job serious, but he took being these kids’ friend more serious.”

Houston cared for more than 10 cats. Best Friends Humane Society is stepping in to care for them and prepare them for adoption. If you’re interested in adopting one of Houston’s cats, call (229) 777-7774. To donate food, contact Betty Dorsey.

WALB is working to learn more. Stay with us.

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