James "Pop" Pirtle

Mr. Pirtle was born in Grand Tower, IL. He was the son of the late Melvin and Mattie Etherton Pirtle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janetta Pirtle and sons; Leon Elliott Pirtle and Melvin James Pirtle. Mr. Pirtle was a veteran of the US Air Force and served in World War II, and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He retired from Crawford and Company, and for 31 years was owner of Pro Custom Paint and Body Shop.

Survivors include a daughter, Zinetta McDonald (Jerry) of Nicholson; son, Tom Smith (Jackie) of Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Christie Pirtle-Smith (Frankie) of Athens; grandchildren, Melissa Pruitt, Carmen Nichols (Chris), Genevieve Sullivan, Heather McDonald, Christopher Pirtle (Brooke), Caelan Pirtle, Rachael Gruever, and Tom Smith, Jr., and great grandchildren, Randy Pruitt, Joshua Gruever, Hannah Gruever, Bailey Nichols, Norah Nichols, and Wade Pirtle.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm in Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Stringham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, or Athens Area Humane Society, 1781 Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677, or the charity of your choice.

On line condolences can be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.