James Quinton Cannon

James “Jimmy” Quinton Cannon, 78, a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with his beloved wife holding him close just as she had done throughout their life together. He was born on May 10, 1947, in Jefferson County to the late Cecil Roscoe Cannon and Syble Louise (Achord) Cannon.

Jimmy proudly served his country for 16 years where he was a member of the 337th Diving Detachment United States Army Reserves. A faithful servant of God, he was a devoted member of Dawndale Baptist Church in Beaumont, where he served in many roles over the years, including trustee, deacon, and song leader. Jimmy lived his faith daily and was known for his servant’s heart, quiet strength, and unwavering integrity.

He retired as an electrician and was a proud member of Local Union 479. Jimmy was a handsome man who took great pride in his appearance, always dressed to the nines, starched jeans and cowboy boots included. He enjoyed the finer things in life and worked hard for all he had, including his silver GMC truck and his cherished Classic Road King Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which he loved to ride, of course with Heidi proudly on the back.

Jimmy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Mondays were for shooting pool with his friends Rod and Paul, Fridays playing poker with Rod, and, most especially, dancing with his wife. On the dance floor, Jimmy came alive, and nowhere was he happier than when Heidi was in his arms; in those moments, time seemed to stand still, the world faded away, and there existed only the two of them; moving together, lost in love, as if nothing else mattered.

Other hobbies included being a member of the coin collecting club in Beaumont and working at the TNT Gun Shows, where he enjoyed buying, selling, and trading. He loved to go to the shooting range and was a very good shot. Jimmy dearly loved his daughter, Claudia, and would do anything for her. He made several ten-hour trips to Springfield, Missouri, to visit Claudia and Luca, treasuring the quality father-daughter time they spent together.

The greatest joy and defining love of Jimmy’s life was his marriage to his sweetheart, Heidi, on December 15, 2000. Together, they had just celebrated 25 extraordinary years of marriage; years filled with laughter, devotion, shared faith, and a love so deep it became the very foundation of who they were. Their love story was rare and undeniable, one that cannot be fully captured in words alone. Jimmy and Heidi were soulmates in every sense; best friends, constant companions, devoted partners, and joyful dance partners through every season of life.

Jimmy lived by his faith, always keeping his eyes on God and then on his wife, just as reflected in one of their cherished songs, “Keep Your Eyes on Me” by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. That song marked their vow renewal, a testament to their enduring commitment, and it became the final song Heidi played for Jimmy as he slipped gently from her loving arms into the eternal arms of Jesus. In life and in his final moments, he was surrounded by her never-ending love.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Heidi M. (Reading) Cannon; his beloved daughter, Claudia Marie Cannon and her partner Luca River; his son, Cullen Cannon; his grandson, Corey Cannon; his brother-in-law, Art G. Reading; his beloved 94 year old mother-in-law, Claudia Rose Reading (also known to Jimmy as “short stuff”); his best friend since 1965, Rod Rials; his longtime friend, Paul Lee; and numerous other family members and friends who were blessed by his life.

Jimmy deserves more than words could ever express. He was the embodiment of a man of God, a devoted and adoring husband, a loving father, and a cherished friend. He was deeply loved, and his legacy, especially the beautiful love he shared with Heidi, will live on forever.

Cremation services will be held under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home.