James "Jimbob" Basil Jarrell, Sr.

Mr. James "Jimbob" Basil Jarrell, Sr., age 79, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Mr. Jarrell was born in Collins, GA to the late Floyd Jarrell and Wilma Barrow Jarrell on February 9, 1944. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, James Basil Jarrell, Jr.; two brothers, Daniel Jarrell and Donald Jarrell; grandson, William Sakelarios and granddaughter, Brandy Bowen. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley Newman Jarrell; son, Wendell Jarrell and his wife Gina of Metter; two daughters, Shannon Sakelarios and her husband Jason of Blitchton and Amy Fennel and her husband Wesley of Black Creek; two sisters, Jackie Lenn and her

husband Ron of Nebraska and Diane Sherman and her husband Carl of Blitchton; 8 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was a Christian of the Missionary Baptist faith and was a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Blitchton.

Mr. Jarrell served for 35 years in the United States Air Force and ending his career with the 165^th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard as a Chief Master Sergeant. Chief Jarrell entered in the Air Force in 1966 and served on active duty until 1972. Chief Jarrell deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War where he was assigned to  8^th Tactical Fighter Wing working on F-4 fighter aircraft while on active duty. During his time in Thailand, he proudly served under the command of Robin Olds and Chappie James and repaired aircraft that suffered damage during operations along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He also volunteered at a local orphanage near the Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base where he was assigned and tried to adopt a baby girl to bring home, but was unable to. He continued his service throughout the Cold War, the 1996 Olympic Games and various other operations throughout his career.   During his military career he was awarded 2 Meritorious Service Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Chief Master Sergeant Jarrell was a member of the Air Force Association, the American Legion and the 8^th Air Force Association

His awards include:

The Meritorious Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal

Good Conduct Medal

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with one silver and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star

Vietnam Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Air Force Medal with Bronze Hourglass Device

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Georgia National Guard Service Medal

Georgia Humanitarian Service Medal

Chief Master Sergeant Jarrell was a firefighter at Travis Field for the Auxiliary Fire Department, funded by the Airport Commission to help provide emergency services to the airport for 10 years until the Gulf Wars began, when it was ended due to deployments.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. at Flanders Powell

Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Flanders Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Elder

Mike Newman officiating.

Burial will be held at Lower Black Creek Cemetery with full military honors.

Any current or former military members are encouraged to wear their uniforms, medals, etc.

To sign the online register, please visit www.flanderspowellfuneralhome.com

Flanders Powell Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. James "Jimbob" Basil Jarrell, Sr.