Pastor Jimmy D. "Papa" Ammons

Reverend Jimmy D. Ammons, 77, of Panama City, Florida stepped into the embrace of his Savior, Sunday September 21, 2025. Family was by his bedside in the comfort of his home in Panama City Florida.
Jimmy was born in Gaston county, Gastonia N.C., He was the eldest son of the late Sam and Evelyn Queen Ammons who have preceded him in death, along with his brother Jerry Ammons. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 57 years who was the love of his life since age 16, Janice Gittens Ammons, his two twin daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Duane Carter and Celeste and Darrin Parker all of Panama City, Florida, son and daughter-in-law Timothy and Ronka Ojo of Nigeria West Africa, eighteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law Joel and Libby Ammons and Phillip and Jennie Ammons ; sister-in-law Debbie Gittens and sister-in-law and spouse Pam and Chuck Dalton and numerous nieces and nephews. Jimmy was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jimmy gave his life to the Lord as a young adult, and despite being born with a defective aortic heart valve and not expected to live into adulthood. He dedicated his life to God's service after having an innovative open-heart surgery at the age 25. He then attended Tabernacle Baptist Bible College earning his Bachelor of Theology and felt called of God to be a missionary to West Africa.
He gave 35 plus years to being a missionary to West African countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. Health issues forced him into physical retirement sooner than he'd liked, but was still a mentor and leader to the Africans. His heart truly belonged in Africa preaching and teaching Jesus to save souls. Life accomplishments include starting 10 churches, two Bible colleges, a Christian school, an orphanage and leading countless souls to Christ. Safe Harbor Orphanage of Ogbomoso, Nigeria that was founded by Jimmy was recognized by UNICEF as one of the most outstanding orphanages in Nigeria. In honor of Jimmy, the churches started and inspired by him, their pastor created a scholarship called the Jim and Jan Ammons Scholarship to aid Orphanage with higher education.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm October 3, 2025 at Heritage Funeral home in Panama City, Florida with Timothy Ojo officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1pm. Burial will be held following the service at Oasis of Love Tabernacle Cemetery Panama City, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Safe Harbor Orphanage of Nigeria W. Africa, which was his heart. Make checks Payable to Safe Harbor Orphanage. They may be mailed to C/O Celeste Parker 2312 Swift Ct. Panama City, FL 32405. Or Venmo @Celeste-Parker-11.
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