James Palmer

Mr. James Palmer, 69, of Paducah formerly of Paris died Thursday, October 30, 2014, at his residence. Memorial graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2014, in Greenwood Cemetery in Paris. Pastor Earl Travis officiating. James Palmer, affectionately known as “J Baby” by family and friends was born June 3, 1945 in Paris, Tennessee to the late Waymon and Lula Mae (Hussey) Palmer. As a youth, James was a member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E church where he sang in the choir. James attended Henry County Training School for his early education and graduated from Central High School class of 1963. In high school, he was very active member of the band, football and basketball team. James enlisted in the U. S. Army from 1963 to 1966 where his tour of duty was in Germany. After he returned from the Army, he worked for the Paris Fire Department where he became the 1st African American firefighter in Paris, Tennessee. He later moved to Paducah, Kentucky where he was employed by Union Carbide/Martin Marietta in 1976 until his retirement giving over 30 years of service to his community. While employed, he as a firefighter but he quickly excelled to become an Emergency Medical Technician and then later an instructor. He leaves behind his children; Felicia (John) Chatman of Smyrna, Tennessee, Artamus (Lauren) Palmer of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jillian Cozart of Lexington, Kentucky and Phyllis Palmer of LaVergne Tennessee. Brothers: Joe (Oksun) Palmer of Paris, Tennessee and George Paul Long of Paris, Tennessee; host of grandchildren and other relatives. Rawls Funeral Home - Paris 731-642-1515