Papaw

I have a badge of honor that only one other person in the world holds. My brother David and I are the only two that have the badge called Papaw's Yankee Grandson. Most have never heard of this badge, yet we have worn it proudly our whole lives because of the love that is behind the giver of this most high honor. I have heard Papaw called by many different names in his life, some with meanings that I never really understood. Mom and Aunt Linda always called him Daddy, which is a name of most precious endearment and love. A name that many of us reserve for our dear Father, Abba, in heaven. This shows me how much they love their Daddy and wish only to always honor him because of the love that he showed them their whole lives. Some call him Conk, others Preacher, J.L., Brother, and many others I'm sure, but the name most precious to me was Papaw. None of my friends have ever had a Papaw, and I've even had some people (in the North) say there is no such thing. But, I know the truth! My Papaw was an incredible man that modeled and showed me so many things that I desire to be myself. The greatest attribute he showed, was love. He loved God. He loved life. He loved his brothers and sisters. He loved his wife. He loved his daughters. He loved his family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and so many others. I can only pray that I love even a portion of how he did as a believer, son, husband, father, friend, and grandfather. Every conversation and farewell I had with him always ended with him saying, I know I don't show it enoughbut I love you. I always tried to convince him that I too loved him and that yes he had shown me time and again how much he loved me. But, now as a grandfather myself, I understand better how he felt. My name is not Papaw but OPA to my grandkids, and I can only hope that they too will wear the badge of Opa's Grandkid with pride and know how much I love them even though I live over 2000 miles away. Love is the motive behind these badges of honor. My memories are abundant. Memories of fishing with minners, riding in the Purple People Eater truck, the Pink house, the overalls, white hair, leathery tanned skin, the Rambler, the whoopin' and hollerin', the made up songs, the garage fridge with Dr Pepper, peanut M&M's, the way he smelled, flipped inside-out eyelids, the bronco riding, the rodeo, Six Flags, crawdad fishing, Ryan's, and soooooo many others! And I remember these because of who I was with, his love, and this badge of honor that I will always wear with pridePapaw's Yankee Grandson! I love you Papaw even though I never showed you enough, and I too will try to live up to the honor of this badge.

Your Yankee Grandson - Jimmy


So many memories of my childhood revolve around "Preacher" and Evelyn and my two dear friends, Jane and Linda.  I always felt as welcome in their home as I did in mine.  Heaven will now be blessed with the full hearty laughter that I remember so well coming forth from "Preacher". He was blessed with a long life because he himself blessed others. My sympathies -
Joan (Powell) Turner and Robert

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James Conklin

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James Leonard Conklin

August 25, 1916 – November 9, 2015

Grove Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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