Palmer and Sons Funeral Home

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on Dec. 14, 1938 to Horace E. Newberry and Emily Marie Willard.Jim spent the majority of his childhood in Bellingham, Wash.. He attended and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1956 and Western Washington University in 1962 with bachelor of arts in education.While Jim was a senior in high school, he met a classmate, Dorothy “Dot” Sybrant, and, after four years, they were married in 1960. With an eternal bond, they were still best of friends 58 and a half years later. Their children include Gregory James, Krista Jene, Bruce Alan and Karl Howard.In 1962, Jim accepted a teaching position in Oak Harbor. Over his 36 years of teaching, he taught fourth grade, sixth grade in elementary and middle schools, math, PE, and more. He enjoyed his time at OHE, CVE, OHMS, and NWNS. He was also instrumental in establishing the outdoor education program that featured week-long classes held at the Camp Moran Environmental Learning Center on Orcas Island. Over two decades of students and parent leaders alike remember with fondness orienteering, fishing, shelter building, plant studies, adventures on the lake, campfires, and Jim’s lively spirit. As an avid skier, he also helped coordinate the Oak Harbor School District Ski School program.Over the years, Jim had several loves besides his family. He was a devoted fisherman, and he could often be found crabbing, gardening and hiking. He also enjoyed house building, woodworking and pottery. And attending grand children’s activities and sports brought him joy. He and Dot treasured traveling and exploring, particularly the Smithsonian museums, Alaska and family camping adventures.Jim was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding various leadership and teaching positions, including 14 years as a high school seminary teacher.He is survived by his wife Dot; daughter Krista; sons Greg (Julie), Bruce and Karl (Debbie); brother Mark A. (Alice); granddaughters Chelsea Jene, Alesha Raquel, Madison Nicole; and grandsons Kellan James, Tyler Palmer ...

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Palmer; mother, Orbie Swinney; and father and step-mother, Waymon and Maudie Swinney. She was a member of Carolyn Baptist Church and worked in the nursery there for over 50 years.  She was a dedicated servant of the Lord.  She was known to so many as “Mama Helen”.  She loved her friends and family and always cooked for them and invited them in to her home. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kendra and Buddy Coffey of Cohutta; two sons and daughters-in-law, Brian Palmer and Tammy Hughes of Cohutta, Brad and Jan Palmer of Dalton; four grandchildren, Wes (Jennifer) Palmer, Katie Palmer, Madison Zerbe, and Will Zerbe; one great-grandchild, Avenley Palmer; and many other friends who loved her very much.        The funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home with family friend Dan Peeples and granddaughter, Madison Zerbe speaking. Burial will follow at the United Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted. You may leave the family a message of comfort at www.julianpeeples.com. Funeral arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Pleasant Grove Chapel, Dalton. For more information, call 706-259-7455. ...