James Lawson Pressnell

October 17, 1932 - October 21, 2021

James Lawson Pressnell, age 89 of Skinem, TN passed away on October 21, 2021 at his home. James was born October 17, 1932 in Athens, AL to Joe and Josie Graviet Pressnell. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 52 years, June Goff Pressnell; son-in-law, Jim Vickers; step-son, Jimmy Jester, brother, Odie Pressnell, Paul Pressnell, Ernest Pressnell; sisters, Mary Fitch, Dot Roberts, Pauline Pressnell and Lucille Yarborough. James is survived by his wife, Vernell Pressnell; son, Steve Pressnell and wife Amy Beth; daughters, Sheila Vickers, Sylvia Grammer and husband Greg. He was a proud Granddaddy to his 8 grandchildren, Heather Smith (Jon), Ben Pressnell (Amanda), Randy Vickers (April), Lee Vickers (Delana), Jonathan Vickers (Sarah), Lance Vickers (Lauren), Savannah Grammer and Greyson Grammer; 11 great grandchildren, Gabby Ellis (Bronson), Jack Pressnell, Cade Vickers, Jillian Vickers, Jude Smith, Halston Barker, Addison Vickers, Ellysen Vickers, Wyatt Vickers, Maddox Vickers and August Vickers. He is also survived by his step-son Mike Jester; step-daughter, Vanatta Gentry (Steve); 4 step-grandchildren, Carl Jester, Nicki Self, Will Gentry and Dylan Gentry; 4 step-great grandchildren; sister, Jessie Smith and brothers, Charles Pressnell and Glen Pressnell. He was a Veteran and served in the Korean War. James retired from Monsanto in Decatur, AL. After retirement, he built and remodeled homes along with his son and several grandsons. He was a member of Sardis Springs Baptist Church for many years where he was affectionately known as “The Bubblegum Man”. James was very outgoing and never met a stranger. Later in life, he attended Cash Point Baptist and then Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian with his wife Vernell, making many new friends at both places. He was a great storyteller and often entertained us with all his tales. He loved music, especially bluegrass and gospel. One of his favorite pastimes was picking his guitar, banjo and dulcimer. And it was always a special treat for him if he could get his grandsons to play along with him. There will be a visitation held at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home on Friday, October 22nd from 6pm to 8pm. The service will be at Sardis Springs Baptist Church on Saturday, October 23rd at 2pm, with Bro. Tim Smith and Bro. Tim Keenum officiating. Visitation will be held at Sardis Springs from 12pm to 2pm prior to the service. Burial will be in the Sardis Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers are Steve Pressnell, Ben Pressnell, Randy Vickers, Lee Vickers, Jonathan Vickers, Lance Vickers, Greyson Grammer, Jack Pressnell, Dylan Gentry and Jude Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Sardis Springs Baptist Church or Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.