James Hayward Cannon

Mr. Cannon grew up during the depression era and only finished the sixth grade so that he could work in the cotton mills to help support his family. He met Pearl McKinny and married in 1946. It was during the early years of their marriage that they began to serve as pastors, leading churches in Landale, Alabama, Hogansville, Georgia, and East Point, Georgia. In 1956, Mr. Cannon was ordained to ministry by the Assemblies of God where he continued in ministry until his retirement. In addition to being a pastor, Mr. Cannon worked as a carpenter for the Local 225 Carpenter’s Union, ran an ambulance company in Riverdale, Georgia, served on the Riverdale Zoning Commission, and was the Jail Ministry Chaplain for Clayton County. In his spare time, Mr. Cannon was known as a Master-Craftsman for furniture. Mr. Cannon was the patriarch of a large family who continue to follow him in service to God. From his faith and ministry was born pastors and missionaries who continue God’s work through the generations.

Mr. Cannon is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar & Bertha Cannon; brothers, Charles Cannon and Bob Cannon; and sister, Reba Fields; and his wife, Pearl Cannon. He leaves to cherish his memory a son, James David Cannon; daughters: Rebecca Godfrey (Ray) Hilt, Naomi S. (Michael) Lawrence, and Martha C. (Tommy) Blasingame; grandchildren: Shane & Pam Godfrey, Shelly & Matt Stevens, Amanda & Drew Scott, Caitlyn & Ryan Jordan, Jon Michael & Marcela Montoya de Lawrence, Nikki Blasingame, Cody Cannon, and Cheri Blasingame Garing & Deron Garing; great-grandchildren: Blake Gryctz, Shaina Gryctz, Peyton Godfrey, Jaxon Godfrey, Alana Castle, Brayden Godfrey, Sibila Jordan, Crews Jordan, Victoria Lawrence Montoya and Ariella Pearl Scott; a sister, Dot (Tom) Wingett; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro, Georgia. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 1:00pm at Living Waters Assembly of God. The Rev. Joe Arthur will officiate. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Grove Methodist Cemetery.