James E. Cannon

JAMES was the second eldest of twelve children born to Mary Ann Cannon. In his early years, James was raised by his grandmother, the late Momma Sallie Cannon, who worked in the fields and passed on her knowledge of farming, gardening, and harvesting. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined First John M.B. Church. He completed his education at the Oktibbeha County Training School; following his graduation, James enlisted in the United States Army, where he served faithfully from 1953 to 1955 and received an honorable discharge. Upon being discharged, James relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. His adored aunt, Lena Boone, offered him employment at The Boone’s Furniture and Appliance Store. James was also employed at Bethlehem Steel. He later joined General Electric Company, where he worked until his retirement. In the early 1950s, James met Jessie Mae Henderson. Together, they had one daughter, Vivian Elaine Henderson, born on August 28, 1958. James later met his life partner, Barbara A. Spruill, along with her daughter, the late Yvette Michelle Johnson. The couple married in 1970, and to this union, one daughter, Dana Lynette Cannon, was born in February 1972. James loved nurturing plants, cultivating fruits in his garden, and working on landscaping projects. Also, he enjoyed helping his first cousin, James B. Cannon, with moving and hauling. To everyone who knew him, he wasn’t just a neighbor or a friend, he was Woodmoor’s finest, a man loved and respected by the entire community. “Jim Dandy” loved to travel to Mississippi every year. He and his family would make the fourteen hour drive around the 4th of July to celebrate his father’s birthday. Often times, the family would make a second trip during the Christmas holidays to spend time with relatives and reminisce about the “good days”. It was always a good time for the soul with great food, fun, and laughter! In his final days, he was surrounded by his beloved grand and great grandchildren: DaNay, Darrah, Alvin, Jase, and Masyn. Their laughter and shared memories brought him comfort and peace. James entered eternal rest on October 21, 2025, at 6:06 a.m. He was preceded in death by six siblings: Luther Ware, Freddie, Vivian, Robert, Harvey, and Helen Cannon. His memory lives on through his loving wife, Barbara A. Cannon; two daughters, Vivian Turner (the late Robert Turner) and Dana Cannon; two sisters, Pearl and Naomi Cannon; three brothers, Curtis (Marilyn), Jimmy, Jr. (Dorothy), and Terry Cannon; all of Starkville, MS. He also leaves ten grandchildren (one preceding him in death), seventeen great grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Tributes

James E. Cannon

April 4, 1935 - October 21, 2025