James D. Isbell

Jimmy was born on April 16, 1929 to Effie and Nora Payne Isbell. He was a 1947 graduate of Gadsden High School and retired from Alabama Power after 42 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth Hutchens, stepson Jerry Johnson and grandson Andrew Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Margaret Isbell. Stepchildren, Pamela (Mark Gilroy) Berry, Lima, Ohio. Teresa (Herb) Herbst, Gadsden, AL. Grandchildren, Matt (Casey) Smith, Southside. Brandon (Katie) Berry, Nashville,TN. Jeremy (Angela Sayre) Berry, St. Augustine, FL. Lauren Smith Pounds, Gadsden, AL. Laura (JD) Thompson, Savannah, GA., Jennifer (Chris) Cornutt, Hokes Bluff. 11 great-grandchildren.

Jimmy was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He always made us laugh. He learned hard work at a very early age after his father became ill and then died. By the age of 14 Jimmy was the sole support of his family. Even up until his death you might have seen him out sweeping his driveway or racking leaves.

Funeral Services will be Sunday December 26, 2010 at Collier Butler Funeral Home at 2pm. Visitation is from 12pm until time for the service to start. Burial service will be private. Rev. Darrell Brown officiating.

Pallbearers are Matt Smith, Emmett Powell, Michael Powell, Herbert Herbst, Brandon Berry and Jeremy Berry.

Special thanks to: Dr. Quilon, Dr. Naughton, Dr. Castillo, Staff of Alacare, Tidmore Bend Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Gadsden Regional ER Staff. And a special thanks to Dr. Bledsoe for his compassion.

Flowers will be accepted but we prefer memorials to be made to The Tidmore Bend Volunteer Fire and Rescue or Calvary Baptist Church.