James Ernest Palmer

Graveside services were held Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. from Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Kemper County with Rev. Randy Caldwell officiating. McClain-Hays Funeral Home in Philadelphia, MS, was in charge of arrangements.

James Ernest Palmer, born April 20, 1936, died Thursday, July 30, at Anderson Regional Medical Center.

He got his early start in Clarke and Kemper Counties, Mississippi, and was a graduate of Lynville High School in 1954, and Mississippi State in 1959.  He spent most of his adult life in Florida working at the McArthur Dairy Barns and was an environmentalist with the Florida State Health Department.  Mr. Palmer was a member of Bushnell Baptist Church where he was active in all aspects.  Being a juvenile diabetic, he lived forty-two years beyond his life expectancy; and was proud of his 50-Year and 65-Year Medals from Joslin.  Even though blind for forty years, he lived a full life and loved people, yet liked his independency.  He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and squirrel hunter.  He had an impeccable memory: birthdays, ages, phone numbers, routes, movies, songs, and especially family genealogy.  He loved “reading” his books and working crossword puzzles.  He was an avid MSU fan.  

Survivors include daughters, Lisa Welk of Indianapolis, IN, Janis Harris of Preston, MS; son, James E. Palmer, Jr. “Jim” of DeKalb, MS; sister, Carolyn Palmer of Preston, MS; seven grandchildren, Johanna, Jennifer, Elijah, Jason, Tasha, Derrick, and Caroline; nine great-grandchildren; several cousins (of which he was the oldest); and special friends, Sarah and Charlie Petrie of Florida.

Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn Denise Empson; parents, Ernest and Bernice J. Palmer; brother, William Glen Palmer; and ex-wife, Sharlon McLemore Palmer.