On December 27, 1930, James Edward Melvin was born to Percy F. and Vivian Dudley Melvin. Jim passed away Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Jackson Hospital with his family present.
Jim grew up in Jackson County and during his school years he played football and basketball while, also, working at Jitney Jungle Food Store. He enjoyed spending his summers working as a fishing guide at Ocheesse Pond. In 1950, Jim volunteered for the U.S Navy and served his country proudly aboard the USS Montague ship for four years during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, Jim returned to Marianna and soon began dating Shirley Ann Hill. They were married in 1956 and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on January 7, 2022. In 1958, their only child, Pam, was born. Jim retired as manager of Seaboard Finance Company/Avco Financial Services and in 1993 had a second retirement from SouthTrust Bank. Jim was a past member and President of the Marianna Lions Club and was recently awarded his 50 year pin as Master Mason from Harmony Lodge #1516. For more than twenty years, Jim served as a deacon at South Side Baptist Church, the same church where he and Shirley were married. Later, they became members of the First United Methodist Church of Marianna.
Surviving are his wife, Shirley Melvin; daughter, Pamela Bondurant, her husband Frank; grandchildren Cianna Pender Hatfield, her husband, Jackson; their children Josey Anne and Elijah James Hatfield; William (Beau) Pender III, his wife Erika, their daughter, Emily Durbin Pender; step grandson, Robert (Rob) Bondurant; sister, Patricia(Pat) Suggs, her husband, Jimmy.
Due to Covid 19, a family service is planned with Dr. Nathan Attwood officiating and James and Sikes Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
The family expresses great gratitude to Dr. Steven Spence, Covenant Hospice, Jackson EMS, and Jackson Hospital.
Memorial donations may be made to Covenant Hospice or The First United Methodist Church of Marianna or the charity of one’s choice.
