He was born October 9, 1931, in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, a son of the late Columbus Madison Cannon and Ossie Lee Ogletree Cannon. He proudly served our country with the U.S. Army.
J.D. loved Jesus, bluegrass, cornbread, beans, and collard greens. He reflected the heart of Jesus. He studied diligently the word of God. For many years he was the teacher in the Sunday school class and poured a lot of effort into making sure that he understood and was able to communicate truth clearly. He loved basketball and college football. He loved a hardy debate about theology and politics. He loved to travel and gallivant around to different bluegrass festivals. He wasted not. He would often pick up cans on the side of the road for extra money for church projects and would bring his grandchildren along with him. He loved being in the sun and would often say that the more he would sweat the better he would feel. He was affectionate and kind. He was a good man. He was a godly man. He will be missed.
In addition to his parents J.D. was preceded in death by his wives, Margene McCabe Cannon, and Mary Gill Cannon; brother, Billy D. Cannon; and son, Jonathan Williamson.
He is survived by children, Sharon L. Woodward (Gary), Michael E. Williamson (Janet), James D. Cannon, Jr. (Scioney), Jimmy B. Cannon (Jan), and William R. Cannon; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5:30pm until 8:00pm, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services are 12:00pm, Friday, April 25, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with interment in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Rev. Max Landry and Rev. Johnny Sanders will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Rudcik, Edward Rudcik, Silas Rudcik, Mikel Leyda, Lee Gill, and Johnny Sanders, Jr.
