BLACKSHEAR — Mr. Joel Harvey James, 82, of Blackshear, passed away late Thursday night, January 16, 2025, at his residence following an extended illness.
Born September 27, 1942, in Blackshear, James was a son of the late Joel Oden and Gertrude Harper James. Living most of his life in Pierce County, he was a 1960 graduate of Blackshear High School.
James worked as a longtime counselor with the State of Georgia Probation and Parole Division and had also served as a counselor with Alcoholics Anonymous.
He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackshear and had attended the Wesley Sunday School Class.
In addition to his parents, James also was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Kent James.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joyce Peek James of Blackshear; two children, Lance James (wife Pam) of Blackshear and Jennifer Strickland (husband Dan) of Waycross; five grandchildren, Jessica Richardson (husband Justin), Jennifer Edwards (husband Blake) and J.T. James (wife Lyndssey), all of Blackshear, Danny Strickland (Ryan Hunter) of Jacksonville, Fla., and Katie Kuick (husband Devin) of Charlotte, N.C.; seven great grandchildren, Christian (Jordan) Edwards, Caden Edwards, Jackson Richardson, Logan Richardson, Emma Grace James, Micah James and Anna-Faith James; greatgreat granddaughter, Olivia Ann Edwards; sister, Judy Harris of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A memorial service was held Saturday, January 18 in the chapel of Hart Funeral
James
Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Okefenokee Alliance for the Homeless (OTAH), P.O. Box 2088, Waycross, 31502-2088.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.
