James Pulliam

James Pulliam, age 100, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the Jackson-Madison County Hospital in Jackson, TN. Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Walnut, MS with Rev. Sam Stallings and Rev. Richard Dickerson officiating.

James Pulliam was born August 8, 1920. He was raised in Walnut MS, where he and his future wife, Louise, were selected “Mr. and Miss Walnut High School”. James and Louise Pulliam were married on December 21, 1940, and were married for 79 years, until her passing in 2019. They lived in Middleton, TN before moving to Bolivar, TN in 1961. He was a resident of Bolivar for 55 years before moving to Jackson, TN to a retirement community in 2016.

James Pulliam was a devoted follower of Christ Jesus and sought to follow and serve him faithfully throughout his life. In his early years in Walnut, MS, they would have “Afternoon Singings” and he would help lead the beloved hymns, as well as singing in a quartet. During that time, he sang and played the mandolin in a variety of bands in the Walnut area. He later serviced in the United States Army. He also worked at Tennessee Gas & Pipeline in Middleton, TN.

He will long be remembered as a loving, caring Minister of Music. Through the years he has directed thousands of children, youth, adults and senior adults in choir. He began serving as the music director at First Baptist Church of Middleton, TN before moving to Bolivar, TN where he was called as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church. He served that church for more than five decades as Minister of Music and Senior Adult Ministry Coordinator. He was a charter member of the Tennessee Baptist Men’s Chorale. Year after year, he would attend Music Week at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center as part of his continuing education in Music Ministry.

One of his wishes in ministry was to have a “Living Christmas Tree” at First Baptist Church in Bolivar. He had the unique ability to share his vision with church leaders and members alike to rally them to use their gifts and talents to make this dream a reality. His vision of The Living Christmas Tree was used to combine both sight and sound to tell the story of the Birth of Christ throughout the community for numerous years. Mr. Pulliam never sought the spotlight, rather wanted to bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ through his ministry.

During his senior years, he continued leading the Golden Sounds Choir, a group of senior adults, who sang for church, revivals, and conferences throughout Tennessee and the southeast.

Faith, family and ministry were all an important part of his life, and through the years, he, along with his wife, Louise, visited hundreds of people in hospitals, retirement centers, nursing homes and funeral homes offering words of hope and encouragement to them in their time of need. His outlet away from music was cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He was grateful to have the opportunity to travel to many places including France, Austria, Switzerland and Germany during his retirement years.

He is survived by one son, Jimmy Pulliam and his wife Brownie of Jackson, TN; one grandson, Andrew Pulliam of Jackson, TN; one sister, Carolyn Harrell of Jackson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Pulliam; his parents, Holmes and Lillian Byrd Pulliam; one brother, Mansel Pulliam, and two sisters, Iris Stinson and Annie Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be given to the Music Ministry of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, TN. All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Shackelford Funeral Home in Bolivar, TN.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
II Timothy 4:7-8

While visiting or attending services for Mr. Pulliam, please consider the following guidelines:

* Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person;
* Refrain from hugs and handshakes;
* When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth;
* Wash your hands often;
* Avoid touching your face; and
* Minimize time spent in places where people gather.

Thank you!