James "Jim" Robert Pannell

James "Jim" Robert Pannell passed from this life surrounded by family April 29, 2018 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife Judy Blankenship Pannell; mother, Irene Brooks Pannell; daughter, Mylissa Anne Pannell-Munguia and husband Victor Munguia; sons Brian Wayne Seals and Douglas Michael Seals; brothers, Charles, Cecil & Harold Pannell and their spouses; grandchildren Brady James Baughman and wife Holly, Zachary Michael Seals and wife Lauren & Bryce Douglas Seals; great grandchildren, Noah Seals & Charlotte Seals; and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Glover Pannell.
Jim lived a life of service. He first served his country in the United States Air Force, excelling at all assignments given to him. Later, he continued to serve the veterans of this country through programs and events associated with the Patriot Guard Riders, The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and the American Legion. He was a wonderful provider for his family and the best father anyone could ask for. Jim gave to those in need by being a blood and platelet donor for many years until he was medically unable to continue doing so. He volunteered at civic events, such as the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving dinner and donated his time to deliver meals to the needy through Meals on Wheels. He was the handy man of the neighborhood and never shied away from someone needing some sort of work done at their home. Through it all, Jim never met a stranger, and if there was a baby or small child around, he couldn’t resist the urge to say hello. Growing up in rural Mississippi gave him the ability to interact with animals in a way that seems to be lost to most in this day and age; he could calm an angry dog with just a few words or settle a horse with a gentle touch. Jim truly was one of a kind.
As an employee of Sears and Roebuck, he rose through the ranks into management. Upon his retirement from Sears, he decided that he would take some time off. However, anyone who knew him knew this would not last for long. He often held two jobs- he had a handy man business and when he was not doing repairs or improvements, bought and sold cars on his own. He began working for Bluebonnet Motors not long after his so-called retirement, and upon leaving there, promptly went to work for Jordan Ford, Inc. He spent numerous years in the car business before he retired once again and focused solely on his handy man business, JP ENTERPRISES.
Jim will be missed tremendously by those blessed to be part of his family. We are comforted by the fact that he had accepted the Lord into his heart, and we know that he is in Heaven, watching over all of us.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to a veteran’s support organization, Meals on Wheels, or the Blood and Tissue Center.