James M. Sidwell

James (Jimmy) Melvin Sidwell was called home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2024. Jimmy, as he was known to family and friends, was born on April 26th, 1949, to the late James A. and Faustine S. Sidwell of Apalachee GA.

Jimmy attended Morgan County High School where he graduated in 1967. Jimmy would go on to Athens Technical College where he would receive his two-year degree in mechanical engineering. After school Jimmy became a bus driver for The Morgan County School System for nearly 30 years. His true passion and life’s calling was farming which became his primary career allowing him to work alongside his grandfather, Father, and eventually his son right up until his passing.

As a young man Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt quail and virtually anything that allowed him to be accompanied by his dogs. He believed every good hunt should include a good dog. Jimmy also played several years of church league softball for the Apalachee Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a deacon for over 50 years right up to his last days.

On April 26th, 1969, Jimmy would marry his true love Mary Sargent of College Park in Greenwood SC. A marriage that would stand the test of time for 55 years. Jimmy is survived by his wife Mary and their two children Melanie (Mark) Cochran of Snellville and Jason Sidwell (Becky Lundy) of Apalachee. He is also survived by his three grandsons Andrew Cochran (Kaitlyn Smith), Jackson Cochran (Kalie Heller) and Cannon Sidwell along with his little princess Amelia Sidwell. Jimmy is also survived by his two sisters Joyce (Stan) Wierzbicki and Linda Bohlen as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was a servant of God with a passion for inviting strangers to church every chance he could. He loved the Lord, his family, friends, and community. Jimmy served on several local farm committees and later the Morgan County Planning and Zoning Committee. He was an outspoken advocate for farming and lived his life providing for others. He lived a simple life never wanting to venture far from home. He believed you should always be home before the sun set and never miss a chance to work. His favorite saying was “I just need you for 10 minutes”, which meant a minimum of at least 2 hours of working on something.

Jimmy will be laid to rest on May 4th, 2024, at the Apalachee Cemetery following a 3 pm service at A.E. Carter Funeral Home in Madison GA. The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm on the day of the service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Gideon Bible Ministry.

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