James Pearson Messick, age 84, of Bell Buckle, passed from this life on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital.
A native of Bell Buckle, James was born on October 22, 1940, to the late Clarence Wesley Messick and Beulah Elizabeth Pearson Messick. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Elizabeth Rees Messick; sister, Emily Cunningham; and brothers, Billy Messick, and Eddy Messick.
James was a graduate of Bell Buckle High School class of 1959. He served his country in the Tennessee National Guard and went on to work with United Service Equipment for 30 years before retiring. He then started a second career with Tyson Foods and worked nine more years before his second retirement.
In his free time, James enjoyed farming raising beef cattle and working around the farm. His favorite activities were bush hogging, going to sale barns, and keeping up with current cattle news and prices. He also enjoyed his daily meetings with the McDonald’s morning coffee crew.
He is survived by his son, James “Jimmy” R. Calahan and wife Scarlette; grandsons, James Benjamin Calahan, and William Rees Calahan. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie Matthews and her husband Jim, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Ray Wiser officiating. Burial followed at Hazel Cemetery in Bell Buckle.
Visitation was held prior to funeral services on Wednesday, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to New Destiny Dog Rescue @ www.newdestinydogrescue.org.
Doak Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
