James R. Pannell

Jim was born on January 24, 1932 in Houlka, Mississippi. He grew up on a farm and was the middle child of five children. He had two brother and two sisters. Jim graduated from Sloan High School in 1952.

Jim was married to his dear and devoted wife, Betsy, for 23 years. He was the proud father of Cindy Slaughter, Jim Pannell, Jr. and Kim Koole. He was the proud step-father of Wesley Deliz. Jim was the proud grandfather of Marty & Brandon Tate, Bridgett Caulfield, Chad Woodroof, David and Daniel Carver, Josh, Grace & Faith Pannell and Lasinda, Hayley, Kaydence & David Deliz. He was the proud great-grandfather of Chase & Izabelle Carver, Tori Miller, Landen Carver and Kiersten Caulfield.

Through the years, Jim worked in the feed mill at CarGill, in the lumber industry, as an auto mechanic and in procurement at Florida Hospital in Orlando. After retirement, Jim enjoyed jobs at Publix and Wal-Mart.

Jim enjoyed his dogs and birds, fishing, hunting, gardening, the Orlando Magic, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the 1980's, he enjoyed officiating softball games for the City of Orlando with his son, Jim, Jr. He also enjoyed helping his son coach a men's church softball team to a top 9 finish in the 1991 National Championship.

Jim genuinely loved people. In the 1970's, while a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Memphis, he drove the bus for the church. His bus ministry included going to the Home of the Incurables in Memphis, where he assisted and tranported handicapped adults to and from church.

Most importantly, Jim trusted in Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Because of that, his life continues into everlasting life in heaven.