James Bowen “JB” Kendrick, Jr.

Published 9:10 am Monday, October 17, 2022

James Bowen “JB” Kendrick, Jr., 95, of Bainbridge, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Poppell and Dr. Ken Cloud officiating.  Interment will be at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1160 Salem Church Road, Climax, GA 39834.

James Bowen Kendrick was born February 1, 1927, in Mitchell County, Ga., the son of James, Sr. & Susie Kemp Kendrick. He was a graduate of West Bainbridge High School. After high school, JB took over the family farm in the Open Pond Community. He retired from farming in 1999 and was recognized as Decatur County Ag Man of the Year in 2012. JB was a member of First Baptist Church and the Baracca Sunday School Class.

JB knew from his youth that his love for the land would keep him right at home on the family farm. His lifestyle was very important, and he preserved the tenet of “faith, family & farm” regardless of how the world changed over the years. JB took on the role of caregiver of not only the farm, but also his parents even preparing meals. He married Anita, the love of his life, in 1957 and spent 63 wonderful years together. JB, remembering his wedding vows, committed to caring for Anita in sickness and in health.

Survivors include his sons, David A. Kendrick and his wife, Rhonda, of Bainbridge, and Michael L. Kendrick of Comer, Ga.; his grandchildren, James Bowen Kendrick III and his wife, Kaylee, and Jackson Kendrick & Laura Leigh Fox; and his lifelong friend and colleague, Melvin Smart. In addition to his parents, JB was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Anita Morse Kendrick; his siblings, Lamar Kendrick, Charles Theodore Kendrick, Earl Devaughn Kendrick, Evelyn Kendrick Long, Sarah Kendrick Kennington, and Rosa Lee Kendrick Dorsey; and his daughter-in-law, Sylvia Kendrick.

In his last years, JB was attended to by wonderful caregivers including Nene Love, Hailey Love, Angelia Scott-Parsons, Ashley Jest, and Thelma Marshall.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)