James “Jimmy” David Cannon, age 78, a lifelong resident of Live Oak, was called home into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at Shands UF Gainesville after a brief illness. Donna Jean Hurst Cannon, age 77, a lifelong resident of Live Oak, was escorted home on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, by her beloved husband, Jimmy, just three days after he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.
Jimmy was born on July 25, 1943, in Inglis, Fla., to Hoyt Preston and Loliett Elizabeth (McGuire) Cannon. Donna Jean was born on Nov. 10, 1944, in Tarpon Springs, Fla., to Sidney James and Lois (Pearson) Hurst. Jimmy was a beloved husband, father, PaPa Cannon, brother, uncle and friend. Donna Jean was a beloved wife, mother, Granny and Nanny Cannon, sister, aunt and friend.
Their home church was Friendship Baptist Church. Jimmy enjoyed western movies, spending time with his family and eating. His hobbies included working with his horses and riding in his wagon. Donna Jean enjoyed watching movies and spending time with her family. Her hobbies included fishing, gardening and shopping. Together, they worked hard and saved to buy Donna Jean's childhood homeplace, Cannon Farm, where they raised their family.
Jimmy always considered Cannon Farm “God’s Country,” where he spent his life breaking and training horses, horse trading and livestock farming. Donna Jean worked for herself in home healthcare as a certified nursing assistant. She was a loving caretaker for countless families throughout her career. They had recently moved to Salem, Fla., which they referred to as their “Garden of Eden.”
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Lewis Cannon, Lawrence Cannon, Helen Cannon, Douglas Cannon and Esther Cannon Hurst. Donna Jean was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Rudolph Hurst. They were also preceded in death by their daughter, Tena Cannon Cashmore.
Survivors include their beloved children, Tammy Lee, Kim Warren (Terrie), Tonya Lee (Frank), Shuandra Perbtani, Davy Cannon (Pam) and Carol Cannon; 23 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. They are also survived by Jimmy's sister, Betty Jo Cannon; Donna Jean's brother, Ray Hurst and sister, Frances Folsom; Jimmy's beloved horse, Junior; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 14634 140th St., in Live Oak, with Pastor James “Davy” D. Cannon Jr. officiating. Interment followed in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. The family received friends prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Blackburn-Curry Funeral and Cremation, located at 380 N Lowder St., in Macclenny, Fla. Please sign the guestbook online at www.blackburncurryfh.com and share your condolences with the Cannon family.