James H. "Jimmy" Cantrell

James H. “Jimmy” Cantell, 87, of Dallas, GA, died on January 6, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, GA with Rev. Mitch Rogensky and Major Chris Davis officiating. The interment will be at Midway Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Cobb County, living on the family farm well into his later years. When he was a child, Jimmy would help with the operation of the farm: milking cows before school, harvesting produce for market, tending the animals and gathering the hay crop. He loved nothing better than working the farm. He valued the importance of hard work which was instilled in him by his parents. As a lifelong member of Lost Mountain Baptist Church, he faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and choir member. He was instrumental in bringing new pastors to the church when needed, working in the food service area for Wednesday Night Suppers, going on mission trips, facilitating move from the old church location on Mars Hill Rd to the current building off Dallas Hwy, and too many other things to list here. Jimmy attended McEachern High School for all twelve years, graduating with the Class of 1955. Since the class was small, he remained in contact with his classmates, meeting frequently as a wonderful group of friends. Later, Jimmy served on the Board of Trustees at McEachern, advancing opportunities for the school’s students and staff. He was even chairman of the Board for several years. Jimmy particularly enjoyed working with the Marching Band program from 1978 – 1985 while his children participated in the band. He and his late wife Chris loved those children like they were their own and he had many fond memories of that time. In 2022 the career-tech building on the McEachern campus was renamed the James H. Cantrell Career Technology Center to honor his service to the school. After attending Bear School in Illinois, where he earned his certification in automotive frame repair, Jimmy served in the Army until March 1, 1962. His duties included operating and maintaining cranes while stationed in Germany. His time there afforded him the opportunity to travel to Spain, France, and other European countries. Once he arrived back in the USA, he said it was the best place on earth to live and he was finished traveling overseas. When Jimmy finished his service in the Army, his cousin Frank Evans, set him up on a blind date with Christina (Chris) Milford. Theirs was a quick romance, marrying in February of 1963 and settling on the family farm off Corner Road. They were married for 35 wonderful years until Chris’s death in 1998. Jimmy supported his family by working at Marietta Radiator and Frame, Anderson Chevrolet, and Williams Brothers Automotive. In 2000, he met Patrice (Pat) Golden through yet another successful blind date. He said he always knew a good thing when he saw it! They were married in the summer of 2000, enjoying a life together for more than 23 years. With the fabulous Pat came two new sons, Chris and Tim, plus their spouses and children. The family more than doubled in size making time together extra fun. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Patrice Golden Cantrell, brother Ted Anthony Cantrell (Patricia), daughter Janice Marie Cantrell Hill (Mark), son Kenneth Houston Cantrell (Lisa), Chris Davis (Billie Kaye), Tim Davis (Joy), 12 grandchildren (Vince, Shea, AnnaJoy, Jessica, Melody, Kelley, Ryan, Will, Mary Carson, Mallory, Cooper, Carter), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Edith Cantrell, brother Charles, wife Christina Marie Milford Cantrell, and sister Sarah Cantrell Cooper. While the family is heartbroken for the loss of such a well-loved family member, they all rejoice in the knowledge he is with the Lord, whole in body, and singing praises for eternity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

James H. "Jimmy" Cantrell

January 6, 1937 - January 6, 2024