Joel Harvey James

Mr. Joel Harvey James, age 82, of Blackshear, passed away late Thursday night (1/16/25) at his residence following an extended illness.

Born September 27, 1942, in Blackshear, he was a son of the late Joel Oden and Gertrude Harper James. Living most of his life in Pierce County, he was a 1960 graduate of Blackshear High School. He worked as a longtime counselor with the State of Georgia Probation and Parole Division and had also served as a counselor with Alcoholics Anonymous.

He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackshear and had attended the Wesley Sunday School Class.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Kent James.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joyce Peek James of Blackshear; 2 children, Lance James (wife Pam) of Blackshear  and Jennifer Strickland (husband Dan) of Waycross; 5 grandchildren, Jessica Richardson (husband Justin), Jennifer Edwards (husband Blake), and J.T. James (wife Lyndssey), all of Blackshear, Danny Strickland (Ryan Hunter) of Jacksonville, and Katie Kuick (husband Devin) of Charlotte, N.C.; 7 great grandchildren, Christian (Jordan) Edwards, Caden Edwards, Jackson Richardson, Logan Richardson, Emma Grace James, Micah James, Anna-Faith James; 1 great-great granddaughter, Olivia Ann Edwards; sister, Judy Harris of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A memorial service will take place Saturday (1/18/25) at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OATH (Okefenokee Alliance for the Homeless), P O Box 2088, Waycross, GA 31502-2088.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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