James Warren "Jimmy" Ponder

James Warren “Jimmy” Ponder, Jr., 78, of Ashburn passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Pruitt Healthcare in Ashburn.

Jimmy was born on August 20, 1945 in TIfton to the late James W. Sr. and Lucille Cravey Ponder. He was a member of the Ashburn First United Methodist Church where he taught a 3rd grade Sunday School class. Jimmy was a retired retail manager at Eckerds/Rite Aid in Fitzgerald and other locations. He was a Master Mason with the Sycamore Lodge 210. Jimmy enjoyed water skiing, scuba diving and saltwater fishing. He also enjoyed riding bicycles with a group of friends. Jimmy was always willing to help out his friends in need and would often welcome them into his home. He was a family oriented man who loved taking care of family, especially his parents and youngest sister, Nancy.

He is survived by his sisters, Jan (Jimmie) Taylor of Ashburn, Pat (Henry) Lumsden of Sycamore, Bobbie (George) Haynie of Cordele and Nancy Ponder of Ashburn. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and staff at Tift Regional Medical Center, the nurses and staff of Pruitt Hospice, and the staff at Pruitt Health who took great care of Jimmy during his final days. The family sincerely appreciates the Turner County EMS for the many times they went to his house and transported to Tift Regional Hospital when needed. They would also like to express their appreciation to Jimmy’s sitters; Jeannie Carrol Watson, Linda Davids, Elaine Whiddon, Alice Douglas and Barbara Atherton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the Ashburn First United Methodist Church with interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 PM until the hour of services at the church.

While flowers will be accepted, for those who wish, please make donations to the Ashburn First United Methodist Church, 406 North Main Street, Ashburn, Georgia 31714; The Shriners Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607; Pruitt Hospice, 708 16th Avenue East, Cordele, Georgia 31015.