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James Isbell Obituary
Jimmy was born on April 16, 1929, to Jeffie and Nora Payne Isbell. He was a 1947 graduate of Gadsden High School and retired from Alabama Power Co. after 42 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Elizabeth Hutchens; stepson, Jerry Johnson; and grandson, Andrew Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margaret Isbell; stepchildren, Pamela (Mark Gilroy) Berry, Lima, Ohio, and Teresa (Herb) Herbst, Gadsden; grandchildren, Matt (Casey) Smith, Southside, Brandon (Katie) Berry, Nashville, Tenn., Jeremy (Angela Sayre) Berry, St. Augustine, Fla., Lauren Smith Pounds, Gadsden, Laura (JD) Thompson, Savannah, Ga., and Jennifer (Chris) Cornutt, Hokes Bluff; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Jimmy was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He always made us laugh. He learned hard work at a very early age after his father became ill and then died.
By the age of 14, Jimmy was the sole support of his family. Up until his death, you might have seen him out sweeping his driveway or raking leaves.
Funeral services will be Sunday at Collier-Butler Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Visitation is from noon until time for the service to start. Burial service will be private. The Rev. Darrell Brown is officiating.
Pallbearers are Matt Smith, Emmett Powell, Michael Powell, Herbert Herbst, Brandon Berry and Jeremy Berry.
Special thanks to Dr. Quilon, Dr. Naughton, Dr. Castillo, staff of Alacare, Tidmore Bend Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Gadsden Regional's ER staff. And a special thanks to Dr. Bledsoe for his compassion.
Flowers will be accepted but we prefer memorials to be made to the Tidmore Bend Volunteer Fire and Rescue or Calvary Baptist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Isbell
Michael Powell
December 26, 2010
If you didn't know Jimmie Isbell just go to the 10th chapter of Luke and read the parable of The Good Sanaritan where Jesus is answering the question "And who is my neighbor?".
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Sounds alot like Jimmie to me.
Angela Word
December 26, 2010
Uncle Jimmy, I will always remember our family get-togethers at your house, and how you spent the entire day every time just making sure everyone else was having fun and had everything they needed. You were a very special person in our lives, and now will be a special angel looking over all of us just like you always did in life. You will be missed.
Angela
Emmett Powell
December 25, 2010
Jimmy made every person and every creature better by his gentle nature and good humor. As a gentleman and a loving family man, he was the genuine article. I will never forget the care and consideration he showed to Mom and Dad during their final years.
Ginger Ward
December 25, 2010
I didn't know you, but do know Lauren and little Andrew. I wish I had known you, though..you sound like an incredible man, a caring man...what a wonderful influence you were because Lauren and Andrew are just like you! I'm sure you will be greatly missed. My prayers are with your family who loved you so much.
Bessie &Greg Nason
December 25, 2010
Margaret, Teresa and All I am so sorry for your loss. Know that my thoughts are with you and yours.
Kristi McMahan McCarthy
December 24, 2010
Mr. Isbell, I didn't know you, but my dad thought alot of you. Y'all worked together for years at the Power Company. It's ironic y'all died on the same day. I bet you both are talking Power Company stuff. My best to your family. I know what you are going through. God bless you all during this difficult time.
Kayleigh Brown
December 24, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful memories, helping Jennifer and I get out the paddle boat, and getting our fishing rods. You were a great man and a great granddaddy! I know your family will miss you terribly, but they have been richly blessed by getting to be a part of your life.
angela sayre
December 24, 2010
u will be missed gpa we love u and u were a great man!!
Teresa Herbst
December 24, 2010
Jimmy, You are missed so much already. Mother is just lost without you and Mickey has not even wagged his tail since you left except when he saw Pam. You can tell he is grieving too. You lived a long live of hard work and giving to others and ALWAYS putting others before yourself. Lauren told Andrew you were with Jesus now and he started to cry but then he said that you felt better now. We will make sure he never forgets you. I love you. Teresa
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Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Services824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901
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