Joe Jimmie James Jr., 65, Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at his residence following a brief illness. Joe was a native of Deland, FL and his family moved to Palatka during his early childhood. He was educated in the Putnam County School District (1961 graduate of Central Academy High School.) Deacon James was a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church where he served on the Deacons Ministry, Usher's Ministry (past President), Men's Ministry, Male Chorus and Food Service Ministry. Joe was a retired 33-year employee in the tissue-converting department (Core Cutter) at the Georgia Pacific Paper mill. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and enjoyed watching westerns. Joe loved his family dearly and it was his personal pleasure to socialize with his many friends. To cherish his memories: devoted wife and soul mate of nineteen years, Ruth C. Simpson-James, Palatka; beloved mother: Edlener James, Sanford; daughter, D'Arcy Mims, Tampa; stepson, Eldridge Griner, Biloxi, MS; sisters: Kora Walker, Vermillion, SD; Josephine Session, Johneva (Russell) McKinney, Cynthia (Ned) Brooks, and Bernadette James, all of Sanford, heartfelt son and daughter, Gerald and Cynthia Lewis, grandchildren: LaHazel, Marquez, and Aniyah Lewis, all of Palatka; sisters-in-law: Sarah S. Dixon, Hastings; Clarice J. Coleman, Daytona Beach; brother-in-law: Willie J. (Carolyn) Simpson, Hastings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous loyal friends and former co-workers at G-P. Visitation of friends and family will be at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church from 5-8 p.m. Friday, January 2, with a Victory Celebration at 6 pm. Homegoing Celebration will be 12 Noon Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor is the eulogist and Rev. Edwin Coffie, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Palm Coast, is presiding. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka, FL. The cortege will assemble at the James residence, 405 Belmont Drive, Palatka at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. Condolences may be sent to www.flaggserenitychapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, Palatka and R. J. Gainous Funeral Home, Daytona Beach.