James Jim Haywood Rhymes Sr.

James Haywood Rhymes Sr., 91, of Pensacola FL surrounded by his family, went to be with our Lord Jesus Sunday April 17, 2016. James was born March 31, 1925 in Columbus, GA to Lottie Crouch Rhymes and John Mack Rhymes. He served in World War II, where he spent four years in the Navy as a tail gunner in a TBM Avenger as part of one of the first night fighting squadrons, taking back islands from the Japanese one at a time aboard USS Saratoga. He also observed the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima. He married the love of his life, Ima Rose Bush January 7, 1946. He was dedicated to serving the Lord Jesus through church, family and work, ministering to the community through the Gospel Lighthouse Bible Bookstores for 49 years. His dedication and love for the Lord Jesus was ever present. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Rose Rhymes, children Sharon Rhymes Miller (Forest Grove, OR), Brenda (and Wayne) Rhymes Plotner, James Rhymes Jr. and Janet (and Jack) Rhymes Wilson (Pensacola, FL), many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. For those who knew and loved him, their lives were greatly enriched. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 5 to 7 PM at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 12 Noon at First Assembly of God, 4301 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32503 with Mr. Rhymes to lie in state from 11 AM until the service hour. Interment will follow the service at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens, 1985 W Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534.

Arrangements under the direction of Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL.