Deacon James Palmer, Jr. of 902 South Joe Wright Drive, Cordele, Georgia, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his residence in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The funeral service will be on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Deacon James Palmer, Jr. was born in Lilly, Georgia, to the late James Palmer, Sr. and Virgil Lee Palmer. He received his early education at  Baypoint Church School in Dooly County, where he also spent his early adult years. As a young man, he married Cora Lee Sanders, and together they had eight beautiful children: Mary, Edward, Willie, Johnny, Eddie Lee, Sylvester, Virginia, and Brenda.

Deacon Palmer worked in the Public Works Department for the City of  Cordele, where he retired after more than two decades of service. During his tenure as a city employee, he earned a reputation as a kind and hardworking gentleman, a humble and trusted friend.

Two of his favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing. Above this, he especially enjoyed serving in the House of the Lord. He took his post    seriously as 'Deacon' at House of God Miracle Temple and later Church of Christ Apostolic, under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Dudley Carter & Bishop Deryl Hunt, II, where he remained a faithful Deacon until his passing. He also made regular visits to fellowship at Greater Morris       Tabernacle, Body of Christ Ministries, Greater Gum Creek Baptist Church, and Straight Life Church of God Pentecostal.

After years of being single, Deacon Palmer prayed for a godly wife. On  October 25, 2010, he met the love of his life, Ozzie Kinchen Ritchey. The story of their union was Deacon Palmer's most consistent testimony; one he shared with everyone he met. In his words, "I always knew Jesus, but through my wife, I met Christ," pointing to how their marriage gave him greater understanding of spiritual things. The two relocated to Miami    Gardens, Florida, and lived a happy, prosperous, and ministry-filled life. They remained in Miami Gardens until their passing in 2024 and 2025, respectively. James and Ozzie's demonstration of godly companionship continues to bear fruit, even in their physical absence.

On July 24, 2025, in the comfort of his Miami Gardens residence, Deacon James Palmer, Jr., peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, now in the glorified body promised to all who love the Lord's return.

He is preceded in death by his 'godly wife', Ozzie; his four children: Johnny, Eddie Lee, Sylvester, and Virginia.

To cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his four biological children: Edward James Palmer (Mary), Vienna, GA, and Mary E. Coleman (Raymond), Willie Palmer (Cathy), and Brenda Palmer, all of Cordele, GA; nine bonus children: Angeler Ritchey Taylor (Willie), Avon Park, FL; Wanda Ritchey, Orangeburg, SC; David Ritchey, Jr. (Robin), Miami Gardens, FL; Dwight Ritchey; Nick Ritchey (Tonia), and Elliott Ritchey (Stacey), all of Miami, FL; Dr. Alicia Ritchey, Miami Gardens, FL; Alfonso Ritchey (Tamyra), Hollywood, FL; and Marianne Ritchey, Miramar, FL; 17 grands; 34 great grands; seven (7) great great grands; four sisters: Barbara Jean McCloud, Durham, NC; Annie Maude Lester, Detroit, MI; Frances Thigpen (EJ), Parkland, FL; Virginia Harris (Ronald), Centerville, GA; and one  brother: Robert Clark (Louise), Newark, NJ;  two sisters-in law: Lettie M. Haugabrook (Bobbie) and Mertice Kinchens; two special friends: Bishop James Baker (Dell) and Sam Mumphrey (Fannie Mae); Godsons: Dwayne Bryant, John Harvey, Lawrence Darville (Marisa) and Wilbur Kinchens (Patricia); Goddaughters: Dr. Karen Lundy, Eneka Ferguson, and Crystal Harvey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention.

We honor Deacon Palmer's steadfast service and unwavering commitment to the work of the Kingdom. His time with us was a testament to          unspeakable joy as he demonstrated the miracle of strength, stamina, and health in his 89 years.

Though he is no longer with us in the flesh, we rejoice in the blessed assurance of resurrection and eternal life through Christ Jesus.