James Harvey Applewhite

James H. Applewhite (Jim) known by many as Papaw. He was born October 2nd, 1944 in Tylertown, MS to the late Clyde and Josie Applewhite. He was preceded in death by the love of his life his wife, Peggy.

He is survived by his two sons and daughter, Jim Applewhite, Jr. (Laurell) of Dunnellon, FL and Todd Applewhite (Kim) of Chula, GA, and Jolie Applewhite Britt of Brooklet, GA as well as five grandchildren: Abby Calhoun (Rob), Jack Applewhite, Emma Brock (Taylor), Carter Britt, Joseph Anastasio and Ashley Anastasio. He is also survived by his sister, Wynn Parker (Glenn), and brother, Bill Applewhite (Sheryl) both of Gulf Port, MS, who he looked up to with great admiration.

He has lived in Turner County since 1982. He served his country in the Army as an Airborne Ranger in the Vietnam War. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star for acts of heroism during combat, the Purple Heart, as well as earning the Army Ranger Master Parachutist Medal. After Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Benning where he was a Jump School instructor. He later earned his Master’s of Education degree from UGA and began a long career in education. He retired after almost 40 years as an educator and high school principal. Upon retirment from the Georgia School System, he went on to teach school in Baker County, Florida. In 1994, he bought a small second home in Fernandina Beach where he and Peggy enjoyed fishing Egans Creek and Peggy’s Point. He loved fishing, scalloping, and spending time on the water with his family. He also enjoyed spending time with “his boys” on the bird field and the after shoot fellowship with a light Mist! He especially loved watching his great grandson, Rhett, running around just being a wild child.

He was truly one of a kind: a great father, brother, teacher and a friend to many…a great American. Papaw will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Perry Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will be private. The family will greet friends from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Perry Funeral Chapel.

While flowers will be accepted for those who wish donations can be made in his honor to the VFW of Fernandina Beach Post 4351.

VFW of Fernandina Beach
96086 Wade's Pl, Fernandina Beach, FL 3203