James Earl “Jim” Petrey, 78, of Milton passed away on January 2, 2023.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Greil and Ruth Commander Petrey.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sherry; one brother, Kenneth G.; his two daughters, April Suzon (Mark) Lundquist and Mary Angela (Craig) Jackson; five grandchildren: Chase (Mary) Jackson, Chandler Jackson, Ashley Lundquist, Bailey (Payton) Wallace, and Courtney Lundquist; and four great grandchildren: Chase Jr., Camden, Kimber and Lettie.
Jim and Sherry met in high school and were married three years later. Jim started playing guitar and found his passion playing the bass guitar. Together, Jim and Sherry began singing and playing at church and other hometown events. Jim became a deacon at an early age of 27. He dedicated his life to the Lord and started a twenty-year ministry of gospel music where he played and managed the group named The Glory Land Singers. He later managed and played ten-years with a bluegrass band, Sawgrass Revival, which won the title of best in the state of Florida and Alabama one year.
Jim had 35 years working with Monsanto to present day Ascend. Jim loved all kinds of fishing and was awarded several ribbons for largest cobia and bass in the area. He loved sailboat regattas and owned a small sailboat which he and family enjoyed. Jim was well respected with everyone he worked with and in the music field.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 4:00 p.m. all on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Trahan Family Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.