James Elton "Peanut" Bishop

Military Honors will be at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, for James Elton Bishop (Peanut), 62, Gadsden, who died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Crestwood Chapel. The Rev. Bruce Word will officiate.
James (Peanut) Bishop was born in Gadsden. Peanut excelled in academics and athletics. He won numerous awards in both baseball and football during his playing days in Gadsden. Upon graduation from Gadsden High School, Peanut enlisted on the Buddy Plan, with Jeff Thacker and Pat Colvard, in the U.S. Army. He served two and a half years of a three-year enlistment in Bamberg, Germany, with the First Armor Division and received specialized training as a Ranger. Peanut was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
After completing his military enlistment, Peanut worked as a veterinarian pharmaceuticals representative, and helped others to begin their careers. Peanut then moved to Lenoir City, Tennessee, where he began a career with the U.S. Postal Service. It didn't take long for him to move up the ladder with the post office, and he retired after 30 years as the Lenoir City Postmaster. While living in Knoxville, Tennessee, Peanut was greatly involved in his church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, a Deacon and as the Chairman of Church Finance.
Peanut retired back to Gadsden to help with the care of his mother and father. Peanut was also devoted to his dog, Trixie. He had many hobbies, which included golf, motorcycling, target shooting and was actively involved in his family's genealogy.
Peanut passed peacefully in his sleep at home.
He is survived by:
Stepson: Germaine Daniels; stepmother: Linda Bishop; sisters: Diane Bishop and Lisa Spurlock; brothers: Ricky Bishop, Jeff Thacker and Vance Roberson; nephews: Patrick, Joey and Jonathon; nieces: Katy, Jamie and Jana.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Loyd, and his father, Bruce Bishop.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Pallbearers will be: Jeff Thacker, Vance Roberson, Dani Bone, Ricky Bishop, Winston Henson and Mike Bishop.
Honorary pallbearers are: Pat Colvard, Patrick Colvard, Joey Colvard, Jonathon Spurlock and Davy Stone.
Special Thanks To:
Jeff Thacker, Gary Leeds and Vance Roberson, Peanut's life-long, devoted friends. His aunt and uncle, Billy and Betty Bishop, and his sister, Diane.
Visitation with be Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Crestwood Funeral Home.