Funeral services for James Dewey Isom, 79, of Holly Pond will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Holly Pond Funeral Home Chapel, the Revs. Dewey Briscoe and Kenneth Little officiating, with interment in New Hope No. 2 Baptist Church Cemetery following the service.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Isom, loving husband, father and grandfather went home to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 30. Born in Depression-era rural Cullman County, his life was shaped by his upbringing. He said, “We didn’t know we were poor because everyone else was in the same shape as we were. We made it just fine, but back then 95% of all we did was related to survival.”

Early in life he developed a love and dedication to family which continued until the day of his death. His greatest accomplishment in life was the nurture and care of his family. If anyone had a need, he did his best to meet it. He was loved and respected by family, friends and community and his passing will leave a void that cannot be filled.

He worked for many years as an employee of the Alabama State Parks Conservation Department and retired from there. His work ethic and determination to do the best job possible, regardless of the task, earned him the respect of his employers and co-workers alike.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lottie Isom; and a son, David.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Wilma Little Isom; a son, Michael (Sharon) Isom; daughter-in-law Beki Story Isom; sister Shirley (Phillip) Smith; and a brother, Charles (Vonda) Isom.; grandchildren Daniel (Cynthia) Isom, Dustin Isom, Lauren, Angela and Benjamin Isom; nieces, Jeanie (Sam) Singer; Karen (Tom) Plourde and Jan (Mike) Thomas.

The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Omega Hospice.

“That the Lord they God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.” Jeremiah 42:3 (KJV).