Visit to Florida to visit Shirley

Carrie and I went to visit with Shirley this morning in Florida. I could only remember all those great times we had in past years with this couple we love so v...ery much. This old tractor, which Jess loved so much, still runs. For two or three years I would go over to ShagValley Farms, I would crank "old red", call Jess on my cell phone and hold it close to the engine so he could hear it run. He got a kick out of me doing that for him. I would ask him if he thought it still run ok. In a few days he and Shirley would show up in Georgia. He loved to ride that tractor around the farm. Carrie and I told Shirley this morning, that we missed her coming to visit and that we loved her very much. She smiled, so I knew somehow, she knew what I said. We both held her hand, touched her cheek, and Carrie and I left for home, knowing that the long trip was well worth spending, just that little bit of time with the most beautiful girl ever to come out of Georgia.

JESS AND SHIRLEY CANNON'S STORY. MY PARENTS. OCTOBER 5, 1958.

Sonya Donalson Marvel

 

JESS AND SHIRLEY CANNON'S STORY. MY PARENTS. OCTOBER 5, 1958.

The seven Cannon boys, Jess’s uncles and dad, created Cannontown in Jakin Georgia and were a force to be reckoned with. This earned Jess Cannon the reputation of that “wild Cannon boy”.

Jess and Shirley met when he was 15 and she was 13. They met on a ball field at Easom’s grocery store in Donalsonville, Georgia. There wasn’t a lot to do in the country when they were growing up, except for soft ball and dances. They usually double dated with Shirley’s sister, Pauline. Sometimes they would square dance on a swinging bridge in the evening with car headlights as the only way they could see. Periodically Jess would do his famous “Buck Dance”.

Jess had been working and farming with Frank the mule since he was 14 years old. Around that time he lost his mother. He wanted to join the Navy at the age of 16 years old, but his father thought he was too young and would not sign the enlistment papers. When Jess turned 18 years old he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed most of the time in Okinawa, Japan during World War II, where he was embedded with the headquarters and base service squadron in the 22nd Air Depot.

After his time in the service came to an end, he and Shirley had long gone their separate ways. Shirley eventually married and had 4 children.

Jess enrolled in school in Tallahassee, Florida and eventually moved to Columbus, Georgia at which time he married and had 2 children.

Coincidentally, unknown to both of them, they were both ending their marriages. One day Jess went to Albany, Georgia to visit his sister and learned Shirley was ending her marriage and was working as a hostess in a local restaurant. He went to see her at the restaurant. She got so nervous she ran out of the room and wouldn’t talk to him.

Eventually, after many trips to the restaurant, Shirley consented to see him again. This was 13 years after they saw each other as teenagers. Future dates consisted of sitting in Shirley’s living room with Shirley’s mother present and who didn’t want to leave them alone. She didn’t want Shirley to date that “wild Cannon boy” from Cannontown.

Jess and Shirley had decided to marry. Jess left for Tampa Florida in order to obtain employment and a place to move his new family. After getting a job and sleeping in his car for a while, he found the perfect home for them to live. He went back to Donalsonville, Georgia to marry his childhood sweetheart.

Jess and Shirley were married on October 5, 1958 in the Blakely, Georgia courthouse and moved to Tampa, Florida on October 6, 1958 where they raised Shirley’s 4 children. Jess had been a hard worker all of his life. At times he worked three jobs to support their 6 children. Their children are all raised now and are still the best of friends. Shirley and Jess have 6 children, 9 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild on the way.

Jess passed away on March 8, 2012. All of his children miss him every day.

Happy 55th wedding anniversary Daddy and Mother.

Jess & Eltrym at Jess & Shirley's 1988.

 A great picture of Jess and Eltrym taken on a visit to Jess and Shirley's home in Lutz, FL.                                              
                                                   

My Dad, Jess Cannon

June 15, 2013

My Dad, Jess Cannon, was a great Father to all of us. He moved us to Florida for a better life. Because of his guidance and love we all graduated with high grades and became upstanding citizens with great paying jobs. He did this because he worked 3 jobs to support us and to make sure we didn't have to struggle like he did to raise a family. He never forgot his Georgia roots and loved his trips

back to the land our grandfather raised his family on. Daddy was a good Christian man. He loved God, his wife and his children with all of his heart and soul. He always dreamed of someday moving back to his Georgia roots. He did not because he didn't want to leave his children even though we were grown with children of our own. Family meant the world to him and he showed us in every way. Daddy is now buried where he was born and raised ~ in Georgia. Daddy you finally were able to get back to your Georgia roots. Father's Day is your day, Daddy. I love and miss you every day. Happy Father's Day!  Sonya

 

 

What's The Agenda?

"I have been driven to my knees many times, because I had no other place to go," Abe Lincoln. Not a bad place to go, if you need some type of guidance in your life. I don't think anyone in America would disagree, with the fact that our country is going through difficult times. We see daily, where countries are fighting in the streets, looking for some kind of stability in their lives. We could ask the question, "How long can we live and keep electing our leaders on false promises?" We have been hanging over the cliff for sometime. Their pay should be cut, maybe every month until the bad decisions on their part have been corrected. We are slowly being led "out" of the promised land. Could we be headed for agonizing pain, as a country, because of our disobedience?

Some friends and I were discussing our life back in the forties and fifties. We had no health insurance, no medicare, no social security, no tax deductions, no checking and saving accounts, no indoor plumbing, and in many family homes, no electricity. We were not blessed with one-a-day vitamins, fish oil, and we have more over-the-counter supplements than Carter's liver pills. Oh! We did not even have "stool softeners," We had "Grover's chill tonic", which I think was made out of the ashes from the fireplace, and Castor oil. Keep those pipes clean, and everything runs better.

The great thing is; the seven types of taxes we have in the complicated tax code. There is the "Income Taxes", "Property Taxes", "Consumptive Taxes", "Corporate Taxes", "Payroll Taxes", "Capital Gains Taxes", "Inheritance or Estate Taxes". Of course, these taxes are broken down into other taxes, such as county, city, gas and so on and so on. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." While few people relish paying taxes, everyone enjoys having good schools, roads and services. The elected leaders of this country cannot handle the taxes we pay into the different funds. The highest elected leaders, including the President and his administration has abused personal spending for years. Our country is not headed towards Socialism, in many ways, we are there already. When people are hurting, it's very easy to accept promises, which can't always be kept. The promises buy votes, and that is what counts to many of our leaders. Why would any American citizen wish to move out of this great country into any other country, and give up their citizenship because of taxes? What if! We could just work together, listen together and join our agendas together by priority, and solve the problems we face in this country together! Big Government could be part of the problem! President Obama, pick the best from both sides and give them "the" Agenda.

"Deciding on Discipline"

The Sunday school 'lesson plan' for Dec. 16, 2012 was so strong, I just wanted to pass on a few of the writer's lesson points to everyone.
We must be open to God's evaluation of our hearts and actions as He reveals the true status of our relationship with Him. We should recognize and be grateful th...at God disciplines people in appropriate ways. We need to take seriously the messages of those who call us to renewed faithfulness to God. And we should thank God for using loving discipline to restore us to faithful living.
We need to Live it! Don't avoid God's discipline. Let it strengthen our relationship with Him. Thank God that He loves us enough to discipline us.
1. Check Your Relationship---with God.
2. You Reap What You Sow---in your daily walk with God.
3. Heed His Warning---we must believe God's word of warning.
4. Realize What Time It Is---it's time we realized that our relationship with God is far more important to Him than any planning we can do. Our biggest problem with planning is that we plan and carry out things in our own wisdom that only God has a right to determine. We cannot know the when, or where, or how of God's will until He tells us.

 Devotion Team
 by Jake Cannon

My Mother

My Mother, was written by Jess Cannon Jr. and gave this as a Mother's Day devotion at his Church.  Jess wrote this article at their farm in Georgia.  Sunday in Jakin, GA. This is For Mother's Day (Etta Benita Reese Cannon - August 5, 1900 - November 29, 1942)

The last time I was here, I asked "What Is Today?" No one gave me an answer. Today I again will ask a question. "What Is Today?" All of us has a mother, right? So what is a Mother? Let me tell you about my Mother and as I do think about your Mother, my Mother's name was Etta. I thought that was a pretty name, even those of us that our Mother has gone on to meet the Lord, we still have our memory. I know that I do. We should be mindful and grateful to love and respect them always and appreciate the joys of life that their memory brings us that we hold dear. I can remember my Mother rocking me when I was a very small boy and singing songs that I still can hear in my quiet time. Words are hard to find at times what a good Mother I had. I missed the sacrificing, sharing, selflessness and the loving heart that was so tender, sweet and kind that strengthened our home. Her greatest joy was to give happiness and service to her family. She sacrificed her life to enrich ours. I am so happy for the legacy of my Mother who taught her family how to live and how to die; live in the Lord and die with dignity. My Mother taught me to pray on her lap and I have a poem I was asked to share with you this morning. So just let me do just that right now. It's called Gingham Alter.

Many years ago I knelt and bowed my head in prayer. Upon a checkered apron as my mother stroked my hair. I have knelt at many alters of wood, of gold, and stone. But that gingham covered alter is the sweetest I have known.

Let us pray,
Our father we thank you for your son this morning who gave us all he had to give, his message for eternal life on a cruel cross. We thank you this morning for all the Mothers that give the very best they have to give and on this day our father teach us to love as you have loved us. Be with us today, our father, as we bring our tithes and our offerings unto your storehouse, give us the wisdom to use it according to your will. In Christ name we pray. Amen.

My Brother

CANNON, Jess G., Jr., 84, left his earthly home and went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 8, 2012. He was born in Columbus, GA on June 27, 1927 and lived his younger years in Jakin, Georgia. He moved to Tampa, Florida in October of 1958 with his new bride, Shirley M. Sowell Cannon.
Jess was a faithful member and Deacon at University Baptist Church in Tampa FL and was a World War II Veteran with the United States Army.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jess G. Cannon, Sr. and Etta Benita Reese Cannon; grandsons, John Dion Ridenour and Joshua Steve Cannon, and Sisters Eltrym Eudene Hayes and Jenny Elene Brooks. Jess was survived by the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Shirley M. Sowell Cannon; Six children, Sonya F. Marvel and husband David Marvel; Ronald M. Donalson and wife, Linda Donalson; Steve M. Cannon and wife, Dawn Cannon; Sherrie A. Walker; Sheila M. DelCastillo and husband, Kevin DelCastillo and daughter, Pamela D. Dyer and husband Alex Dyer. Jess was blessed with 11 living grandchildren, Ronald Donalson, III, Christine Caudle, Chad Walker, Stephanie Swindle, Michelle Cesario, Tammy Dunlap, Luke Cannon, David A. Marvel, Robert Marvel, Gina Lloyd and Vance Marvel. Jess was blessed with 21 great grandchildren and a granddaughter on the way. Jess was also survived by his brother, Jake Cannon and wife, Carrie Cannon; and sister Fay Chesnut and husband, Larry Chesnut, along with numerous nieces, nephews, church families and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 6-8 pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33618. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:00 P.M. at University Baptist Church, 2121 East 131st Avenue Tampa, FL 33612, with Pastor Don Grantham officiating. Graveside services will be held at Springfield Baptist Church in Jakin, Georgia at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012 with Rev. Julie Cannon officiating . Burial will be Springfield Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include Ron Donalson, Ron Donalson, II, Jake Cannon, Steve Cannon, Benny Hayes.
Flowers will be accepted or a tax-deductible donation can be made in honor of Jess G. Cannon to LifePath Hospice. Mail a check made out to Chapters Health to: 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.

Accountability

It seems the closer we get to the election day, the situation changes on a daily basis. Everyone has so many comments and questions on their mind about problems confronting our country, our Congress, our Churches, the Supreme Court in Washington and the condition of our economy. How will the decision from the Supreme Court on Obama Care effect this country? I believe our leaders need more elimination in their lives and schedules so that there can be more concentration on their jobs. What is wrong with a state requiring everyone to have an ID card of some type. I have had an ID almost all my life. Why should one group of people be exempt by the Attorney General of the United States to be able to vote without an ID, if it is and should be required by the state? How does the people working at the voting station know who is qualified, as a citizen of the United States to vote? This administration seems to just want the vote, regardless of who is qualified or if that person is a citizen of this country. Why is having and enforcing "Voter Laws" such a problem for some groups and this administration? 

Roger Fields wrote, and I would like to pass on to our leaders at the Federal and State level: "My calling is sure: my impact is critical: my values are solid: my faith is tough: my mission is urgent: my purpose is unmistakable: my direction is forward: my heart is genuine: my strength is supernatural: my reward is promised: and my God is real!

In a world of cynicism, I offer hope. In a world of confusion, I offer attention. In a world of abuse, I offer safety. In a world: of ridicule, I offer affirmation. In a world of division, I offer reconciliation. In a world of bitterness, I offer forgiveness. In a world of sin, I offer salvation. In a world of hate, I offer God's Love."

Where does accountability begin? Please repeat after me, as a citizen of the United States. "I will pray when things look bad. I will pray when things look good. I will move forward when others stand still. I will trust God when obstacles arise. I will work when the task is overwhelming. I will get up when I fall down."

A Short Story of Steve's Dad, Jess Cannon

A short story about my Daddy a WW II vet

Over the past few years my dad has told me bits and pieces of his service during WW II. When he joined the Army he met a big guy named Donahue from South Louisiana.
The two of them spent their entire service together and even came home at the same time. The two of them became MP's ( Military Police ) serving in the South Pacific at Guadalcanal and Okinawa.

Daddy said once when he was on patrol around the island of Okinawa a typhoon came up and washed him into a cave. Once the water receded he could feel bodies all around him, but could not see them.

Once again on patrol around the island of Okinawa he got jumped by some Japs. He was knocked to the ground and a rifle butt knocked out his front teeth. When that happened, he said to himself, "I'm not going to die here on some beach island."

Daddy told me that he was an MP, a cook, used a flame thrower, ran ground moving equipment, and helped in the building of the first runway for airplanes to come into Guadalcanal.

On Guard duty at Guadalcanal, daddy said he saw a kid stealing food rations from under a tent. He said he grabbed that kid up, put him under his arm, and whipped his little butt. He put him down, handed him the food and told him to get. The little boy ran a few feet, turned and looked at daddy with a smile on his face, then ran into the woods. Daddy said he just couldn't take the food from him.

Once while on Guard duty at Guadalcanal, an old woman came into camp naked except for something on her bottom part. Daddy said they had tents folded and stacked up in piles. The old woman bent over and with the top of her head picked up that big old tent and looked at him. Like with the little boy, he thought, "Old woman, if you can make it across that ditch, you can have the tent". Sure enough she took the tent and disappeared into the woods.

He said after being discharged from the Army, he and Donahue left the post with tickets for the train ride home. They had some time on hand so they grabbed their duffel bags and put on their uniforms. They went downtown to a bar. After having a few drinks, they saw some new enlisted GI's come in, all dressed to the ts; stripes, ribbons and all. The new GI's started laughing and pointing at them. Donahue asked Daddy, "Do you want to MP them?" And they did. They banged a few heads together, but knew the MP's would be on their way, so they got their duffel bags, ran to the train depot and jumped on the train heading home ( so they thought ).

After awhile, the conductor started calling for tickets. When he got to Daddy's and Donahue's tickets, he said, "Men, you know you two are on the wrong train? We're going north and you should be going south". Donahue looked at Daddy and they both just busted out laughing.

Daddy, although we're apart, I'll forever hold you and your stories in my heart. And listen in the wind for the "I love you son."

Love,
Your Son, Steve

Man and His Compassion for Others

Let’s ask ourselves the question:  What is compassion?  It could very well be, having a desire to help others in their suffering.  Generosity and service are ways that compassion can be demonstrated.  We can be sympathetic to someone under stress.  Maybe they lost their job and we might be able to alleviate that stress by some type of assistance.  It is allowed to help others without expecting rewards.  There is always someone out there who is less fortunate. 

The Sunday school lesson this past Sunday covered compassion in our Christian life.  I read somewhere that “kindness gives birth to kindness.”  Someone else said: “Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.” 

Dalai Lama – is the spiritual leader of Tibet who continues to speak of forgiveness, justice, and living together in harmony.  Mother Teresa – worked in the slums of Calcutta, India, helping and nursing the poor and sick.  She had a great reverence for human life.  So many dedicated people in the past have given their all to help others with the same compassion we’re talking about today.  When do we begin?

What would be wrong with we as Christians, if we started today, looking for ways to help in any situation without being asked.  Send a card, make a phone call, send flowers or be brave and just visit.  God bless!

Jake Cannon

Man's Role in the Home

In the beginning, God saw fit for man not to be alone. God created woman and this is when the marriage relationship, and the beginning of a home and children. (Gen. 2:18-24)

God gave man guidelines for the spiritual family, the church. He also gave guidelines to govern conduct in the physical family. (a) Men are to study the word of God to know his role in the physical family. (b) Man is to be the "head" of his physical family, the same as Christ is the head of the church. (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23)

When man leaves the financial support of his parents, he must accept the same role of responsibility for himself and his own household. In Acts 11:23, "Cleave" literally meant cemented, glued, adhered to. Our wife is to be the highest earthly loyalty, and we, as men are to live for her and to think of her and please her before our parents.

Leadership is needed in every family, and the husband must live up to his God-given responsibility. The wife is not a slave to her husband. Men must exercise love, humility, and consideration of his wife and her needs before himself.

When husbands fail to honor their wives, joyfully live with them and cleave to them, they endanger the most fundamental and intimate relationship God designed for mankind. (1 Pet. 3:7; Eccl. 9:9; Matt. 19:5)

Make a Commitment!

Staying true to our commitments! One of our most important commitments is when we take our marriage vows. Married couples, in most cases, start off with a true devoted feeling of love for each other, and a commitment to love and adore until death. Most couples are then blessed with a loving family, and then more commitments begin. Our children are given to us as one of Gods most precious gifts. I always looked at childbirth as one of God's wonderful miracles. Parents, stay true to your commitment in supervision and guidance of that son or daughter. Let's not let that special closeness between mom and dad and son and daughter ever cease to exist. Too often, we adults fail to stay true to commitments we make. When your teenager seems to be out of hand, don't give up. Ask for help and assistance to get them back on track. Let's continue to try to give them a purpose for staying in school and getting that education. How well I know, how it is to be on your own as a teenager. It's not easy! I wish there were more school counselors in our high schools, who could recognize our students who might need that special advise. Know one wants our students to fell. If our upcoming, young adults fell in being educated, our great country slowly fells. I plead with all of our young people living in and around the Dothan area. Take advantage of the well trained and concerned teachers you have in your school. They care, and applied themselves while going to school themselves, to be qualified to train and teach each one of you. There is nothing wrong with every teenager, between the ages of twelve and eighteen, to make the same commitment your parents made to you. Take charge of your future!

A Word of Love for Our Family

Subject: A Word of Love for Our Family!

The months leading up to March 8, 2012 was a trying time in the lives of so many love ones in our family. A beautiful, sweet wife and sweetheart of Jess, four daughters and two sons, and all other family members who was close to Jess, could see daily, how much pain was in Jess's life because his inability to get out of the house and take Shirley for a walk in the mall or go to fun places they always enjoyed together. They were sweethearts to the end for sure! I can remember back in the days when they were both in prime condition, even then, they liked to hold hands when out for a walk. I know back when Shirley was in the hospital in a coma, Jess would say to me, "I don't know what I'll do if I lose her." Life want be the same! I have seen over the years that this family has been a special, loving and supporting family at all times. I don't need to call names, but all the sons and daughters have shown their love for Jess and Shirley on a daily basis. Jess told me many times how much God had blessed him over the years, in his prayers being answered for God to guide his and Shirley's children, and to watch over and guide Steve and Pam through their daily lives. These last few weeks of going to the VA hospital with Jess and making sure that Shirley's needs were met, made me very proud of all you guys. You did well, and showed so much love for your parents. Carrie and I are proud and we love all of you very much. Uncle Jake

Our Commitments!

Our Sunday School class has been studying about the importance of "staying true to our commitments".  One of our most important commitments is when we take our marriage vows. Married couples, in most cases, start off with a true devoted feeling of love for each other, and a commitment to love and adore  until death. Most couples are then blessed with a loving family, and then more commitments begin. Our children are given to us as one of Gods most precious gifts. I always looked at childbirth as one of God's wonderful miracles. Parents, stay true to your commitment in supervision and guidance of that son or daughter. Let's not let that special closeness between mom and dad and son and daughter ever cease to exist. Too often, we adults fail to stay true to commitments we make. My wife and I attended a 60th. Wedding Anniversary last week of a Mr. and Mrs. Dean, given to them by their daughter. I want mention their first names, they might not invite us to their 70th., but this is what I'm trying to say. The love for each other and the love and appreciation their daughter showed, was very prevalent. Staying true to their commitments.
I read in my teachers adult commentary, that "Christians are not immune from facing challenges to their commitments. They may even be tempted to break commitments in serving God. God is pleased when people commit to serve Him. He is honored when they stay true to those commitments."

"Just Give It Away!"

Christmas is just around the corner! Check your garage, attic and all areas for items such as old bikes, TV's, stereos and such. You get the idea! There are so many little boys and girls who just might need those items. If you can't find those old items, then go to your favorite store and purchase at least one item and "just give it away"! "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Have a garage sale and clear out those items you'll never use, and transfer what you receive for those goods to someone who could really use that little gift. Work through your Church or donate to the Columbia Baptist Association and they will pass those items on to someone who might have a need. Think for just a moment, how very blessed most of us are just to have a place to live. We call this place, "home". Let's ask ourselves this question! "Where does my obligation end, as far as being concerned for those who might be a little less fortunate?"
 
One of the first questions raised in recorded history was, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). Do I have moral obligations toward others? Everyone have a Very Happy Holiday and,
 A Very Merry Christmas.  Jake and Carrie

Forgiveness

God calls us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. It’s the only way to be free from hurt and bitterness in our heart. If we allow bitterness to remain in our lives, then unresolved anger will take over. Stress will kick in and then health problems. We need to take steps to replace anger with forgiveness. What better time of year than the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and my favorite time of year, Christmas. God was betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, and humiliated, and while he suffered, his last plea was: “Father, forgive them.”

We all might get angry from time to time. Knowing families, who do not speak to each other for years at a time, is just heart breaking! Pride steps in sometimes and keeps us from making that first effort to make things right. Family is everything. The part about “turning the other cheek” has always been hard for me to grasp, but maintaining a loving harmony among family members, is so important in maintaining a happy and healthy family. Anger and bitterness among adults affects the little ones as they grow. Sure, we will always have mountains and valleys. Let’s not wait until Christmas to get it right! Thanksgiving is an ideal time to reflect on all our blessings. Take a moment and reflect on how things are between family members and maybe a friend or two. It's not really that hard to say--"I'm sorry." Let's go into Christmas, giving the best gift of all. Settle all family "hang-ups" with the, I'm sorry approach. An inner feeling of happiness will fill those empty holes of sorry.  May God Bless, Jake and Carrie

Remember!
Family Is Everything.
 

We Need Vibrant Leadership

The election of 2012 is approaching fast. The problem is not, are you a Democrat, Republican or Independent. The problem is, will we as Americans make the correct decision in what's best for our great country. We have questions about the healthcare plan Congress passed in 2010. I am concerned if Congress will restore the $500 billion in Medicare benefits for seniors the Obama plan might cut, if not already. We should all be concerned about this administrations desire to give 12 million illegal aliens amnesty and a path to citizenship. After all this time of discussions of top priorities for this administration. Cutting spending, cutting taxes or paying down the national debt just doesn't seem to be their priority. What about "vibrant leadership"? All of our leaders in Washington are not "Apprentice"! They have been there for years, doing the same thing, year after year. Living the "good life" with good pay and great upcoming benefits for life. Why was it allowed to let our factories and other companies move to other countries? G E is a great example. Go shopping and check the racks of clothing in most of the stores in Dothan, AL or any retail store in America and look for "made in the USA" labels. I did just that last week in one of our largest local stores. Checking about twenty five racks, I did not find any USA made clothing. Toy counters were the same. Let's get back to the "American Way" of doing things and put America back on the map of being the greatest and most powerful and yes, continue to be the most compassionate country on earth. America, it starts with having a "vibrant leader." A person with moral values and a broad vision for the future for America. Oh Yes! Forgot one thing! Someone who respects the American Flag!

First Priority, Our Children

I knew at an early age that more than likely, I would always be a simple man, and that is who I am, a simple man.  Growing up in the country on a small southern farm, life was simple.  My birth took place in a little frame house a short distance from a small town called Jakin.  Things were less complicated back then and neighbors looked out for neighbors.  Everyone went to church twice on Sunday and prayer meeting on Wednesday night.  We knew where the needs were with our family and friends and were there to assist when necessary.  What happened between then and now, some fifty or sixty years later? “Things” happened!  A simple man does not need to explain the “things” I am talking about in this letter.  Guess what!  When the things continued to come over these past years, we became less dependent on each other and most of all, on our daily prayer to our God. 

Our speaker at the Brotherhood meeting had a message directed to the men in our church.  He explained how important it was, for every man to take charge of his family’s knowledge of what’s right and wrong, according to the Bible.  Some states have already made it law to teach things in our public schools which are not approved, according to God’s teachings in the Bible.   Maybe these teachings are “old school” to many of you.  If not, then this message is to all men here in the area of Dothan.  Sit your children down often, and ask questions about things going on in their school life.  Some of these teachings have not reached our area as yet, but it’s only a matter of time.  I am not allowed to copy and reprint this article, but the information was published by:  usatoday

I truly believe that all of our children can be educated together, regardless of race or status of their parents in the community.  I do remember the early years when we were separated as to color.  I felt it was wrong then as a little boy, and I think it would be wrong today.  We are all God’s children and “He” still wants us to care for each other, as He cares for us.

Brief History of Jakin School, Jakin, GA.

In 1880 Mr. T. S. Minter gave land on which was built Mid-Way Church and our first School. The School was improved in 1921, when Mid-Way and Jakin School was consolidated. A two-story brick building was erected in Jakin. A larger district called for arrangements to be made to transport the students and our first School bus was started in 1928. In 1932 Jakin suffered a great loss and the School building and equipment was destroyed by fire. A new building was started the same year.
Progress continued and the year 1934 another grade was added and this made a total of eleven grades. In 1937, Home Economics and Agriculture was added. In 1942 Springfield was also added to the Jakin district and more classrooms were added. Jakin School existed over eighty years and trained and graduated many well qualified students.
 Many years have passed since the doors were closed. Books, records, sports trophies, old desk and fixtures were packed up and hauled away. A few years passed and the old Alma Mater was torn down and the land was sold. Years have passed and the old School site is filled with trees and grass. Leaving nothing left behind to remind the thousands of students who passed through those doors of learning. Only memories are left. Over the years many classes have tried to keep the memories alive by having their class reunions. I truly feel the education students received from Jakin High back in the 50’s and 60’s qualified our students to go on to College or make their way successfully in the work place.
Jakin High School, over the years had many great principals and teachers who devoted themselves to training boys and girls from the Jakin district. One of those principals was Mr. C. L. Brooks, who now lives in Bushnell, FL and celebrated his 100th birthday this past April 23, 2011.
We can look back to our heritage and memories of Jakin High! The plays we put on for the community. The old time cakewalks around the walkway of the auditorium. The 8 mm movies we were able to watch once in a while in the auditorium. The old dirt basketball courts we played and practiced on for many years. The new gymnasium and boy did it make a difference. One thing for sure! Even back when we did not have the modern equipment and we brought our lunches in a lunch box, we still had our devoted teachers and caring parents.
Someone wrote in the “appreciation” pages of our annual: “As a token of appreciation, we thank our parents for their helpful counseling, understanding patience, their sincere interest in our trials and accomplishments, kindness, much needed sympathy, and most of all, for the opportunity to graduate from this school, Jakin High School, just located in the lower corner of South Georgia.

Note: The Jakin history was researched from old archives off the Internet. The personal comments came from the heart of someone who still loves the old South and Jakin, GA., my home town. I graduated from Jakin High School in 1957. Many of our classes have been holding our class reunion in Jakin or close by, and three classes have stayed together in our "memories" reunions for many years. Our last reunion was Aug. 9, 2009 at the Jakin Baptist Church fellowship hall, thanks to Johnny Miller, who still lives in the Jakin area.

I wish someone could locate our School trophies, which are now in Blakely, GA. school system, and if not destroyed, relocate them to our outstanding Jakin Library. Many thanks to the individuals on the Jakin City Council and others in the past, who have remodeled and gave a facelift to our old city in order to make us proud. I will never forget my roots! Will you?  by Jake Cannon