He was a born leader, a generous giver, very much loved, highly respected, and one of the finest Christian men that you’d ever want to meet. He believed that the way to find joy was in serving Jesus and others before serving yourself based on Matthew 22:37-40 and daily proved it to be true to anyone watching. He enjoyed sharing his woodworking with others around the city as a way to share his faith, make new friends, and give to others. After Jesus and others, this man loved sports. He followed many teams and even coached a few. In his later years, he quite possibly might have been the Fairview Lady Panthers’ number one fan, which earned him his own parking space for the home games.
James was born in Carrollton, GA and raised in Savannah. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country for the next eleven years. While stationed at Chennault A.F.B., he met a Cajun beauty that he married and they were together for 59 years until her death in 2012. After being honorably discharged from the service, he went to work for Dimmick Supply Company, worked his way into management, and retired after 47 years. He worshipped the Lord Jesus at Glad Tidings A/G Church for the same length of time.
He is survived by his son, Jimmy Terrell and his wife Lisa of Moss Bluff; daughter, Cheryl Shafer Nunez of Sulphur; former daughter-in-law, Joanie Terrell Sollay of Jennings; brother, Harold Terrell and his wife Bo of Savannah; and sisters-in-law, Alva Lee Terrell of Savannah and Alice Hooper of Westlake; ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Melba Doucet Terrell; son, Tony Terrell; parents, W.J. and Leathie Terrell; and brother, Lamar Terrell.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Jeremy Shafer, Dustin Shafer, Darren Shafer, Kristin Shafer Baggett, Brent Vest, Ryan Terrell, Chance Terrell, Brandon Terrell, Blake Terrell and Bryson Terrell.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Glad Tidings Church in Lake Charles from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and resume Wednesday September 22,2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Glad Tidings Church in Lake Charles. Rev. Gary Evers will officiate. Interment to follow services at New Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff, Louisiana.
Words of comfort and love may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
