James Penton Pool, 85, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on October 1, 2020. For more than eight years he had gracefully fought cancer and won the battle to enjoy most of those years. He lived his life to the fullest up to his last month’s enjoying the love of his adoring family and host of friends. He epitomized “fighting the good fight of faith” through every stage of his well-lived and well-loved life. He never met a stranger and made everyone’s life richer for having known him.
James was born on May 11, 1935, in Arab, Alabama, to Naaman and Irene (Reynolds) Pool. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gaynell (Harper) Pool and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Walls Stewart), whom he married on September 2, 2006 and his four loving daughters Pam Myres (Larry), Knoxville, TN; Sherry Pool, Huntsville, AL; Sheila Wright (Darius), Arab, AL; and Leslie Ryder (Jeff), Marathon, FL; a step-daughter, Betty Terrell (Phil), Arab, AL; eight grandchildren, Heather Myres Luckadoo, Matthew Myres (Jordan), Jessica Edmondson Miller (Rhett), Lauren Wright King (Richard), Benjamin Ryder, Mary Ryder, Jody Terrell Lemaster (Chris), and Alisa Terrell Alldredge (Jordan), four great-grandchildren, Lucy Luckadoo, Austin Lemaster, Ila Lemaster, and Colt Alldredge; one great-great grandchild, Cora Lemaster; one brother, David Pool (Brenda), Rome GA; and several nieces and nephews.
James’ love for his family and friends defined his life and in turn has left a lasting impact on those who loved him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved farming and raising cattle, as well as, the more than 40 years he spent working as a rural mail carrier for the Arab Post Office before he retired in 1994. He made lasting friendships of his co-workers and postal patrons over the years. He loved playing Rook with family and friends as well watching football every chance he had. He is one of the founding family members of Old Brashiers Chapel United Methodist Church where he spent much of his life serving his church. He truly enjoyed his song ministry.
In celebration of his storied life, a graveside service will be held Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 2pm at Brashiers Chapel cemetery, with Rev. Nicky James officiating. Pallbearers will be Matthew Myres, Benjamin Ryder, Rhett Miller, Richard King, Chris Lemaster, and Jordan Alldredge. Due to COVID restrictions, face covering and social distancing is required.
A special thanks from the family to wonderful caregivers, Lynn Alexander, Rita Murphy and Gwen Price, as well as, the kind nurses from Encompass Hospice Care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Marshall Cancer Care Center, 11491 US-432, Albertville, AL 35950. The family appreciates the kind and caring treatment by Dr. Ewing, Dr. Payne, and staff at this facility.
