James Moses Pannell, 1913-1991

JAMES MOSES PANNELL

"The kindest brother anyone could ever have" is the spoken sentiment of the three sisters of the Rev. James Pannell. He worked in the coal mines of West Virginia and as an orderly in two hospitals while helping to educate his sisters.

Having been ordained a deacon in a Baptist church, the call to the ministry was the next step in a life dedicated to the work and calling of God.

Jim was born in a small country village called Premier, West Virginia, February 12, 1913, the oldest child of James and Louise Drew Pannell. Educated in the public schools of McDowell County, he later attended and graduated from Knoxville College, Knoxville, Tennessee. While pastoring in Virginia, he attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

He served four years in the European Operation during World War II where he received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon and the Victoria and European Service ribbons.

His work in the ministry began in Jamaica, New York, at the Brooks Memorial Methodist Church where he served as superintendent or the church school and then as an exhorter. This experience prepared him for his first assignment in Knoxville, Tenn. There he pastored Senie Chapel Methodist Church and completed his education. After spending four years in Knoxville, he decided to move to the green pastures of Virginia, where he remained until his retirement in 1978.

He pastored Faith Methodist Church in Richmond, Jackson Street Methodist Church in Lynchburg, Asbury Church in Richmond, Wright Memorial in Portsmouth, and served as associate pastor or Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Woodbridge. After he retired from the ministry, he remained active by serving as associate director of religion and race in the conference Council on Ministries for two years.

Poor health necessitated his moving to Youngstown, Ohio to be with his sisters. He is survived by one son, Aaron David Pannell, and one daughter, Regina Pannell Smith.

Services for Jim were eulogized at Centenary United Methodist Church, Youngstown, Ohio, with the Rev. Arthur A. Zebbs, officiating.

He will be sorely missed by family and friends, but we can take comfort in knowing what is promised in 2 Peter 1:11, "For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you."

-Pauline Singletary