James "Jim" Franklin Palmer

James Franklin “Jim” Palmer, age 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at Maple Grove Health & Rehabilitation Center where he resided following a severe cerebral hemorrhage in May of 2014, which forever changed his life but not his beautiful spirit.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at 2pm Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel. The family will greet friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jim was born in Greensboro, NC on June 2, 1952 to the late Vestal and Millicent Brittain Palmer, Sr.

Jim graduated from Grimsley High School in 1970 and later attended UNC-G where he studied architectural and interior design. With a career in residential and commercial buildings renovation, there wasn’t much that Jim couldn’t do with his hands.

He served in the Army for 2 years where he trained in Combat Feeding. Although he never saw combat duty, Jim was proud of his service and country.

Incredibly talented, Jim’s intellect and creativity was overshadowed only by his keen sense of humor and wit. Always singing or whistling, he loved playing the drums, watching the Carolina Tar Heels, fishing with his buddy at Atlantic Beach, dancing to oldie-goldies with his girlfriend, gardening, and cooking for family and friends. Perhaps most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with “regulars” at The Bench Tavern on Lawndale Dr.

Jim was blessed with two lovely daughters, Christine and Caelyn Palmer. In addition to his daughters, Jim is survived by his brother - Vestal Palmer, Jr (special friend Judy Conover); his sister - Patti Morgan (husband Bill Morgan); and nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his loving and loyal girlfriend, Dawn Kellum, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Martha Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, a gift in Jim’s memory can be made to your favorite Veterans’ foundation.

The family would like to recognize the incredible care provided to Jim by Forsyth and Rowan Medical Centers and Cone Health, and the support of the VA. The family is deeply grateful for the love and care shown to Jim by the staff and administrators of Maple Grove and by Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.