James Hardman Joel

CLEVELAND- James Hardman Joel passed away at Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

James was born April 21, 1928, in Cleveland MS, to Joseph Dewey and Viola Beulah Phelps Joel. He graduated from Cleveland High School and went to work with Lowery Tim for many years as a truck driver. He married Margaret J. Robertson on June 12, 1948, in Clarksdale, MS. He then worked with Planter's Equipment as the parts manager for 32 years. after retirement, James "Juicy" as he was affectionately known,  moved to Mountain View Arkansas where he played his guitar on the square at the Folk Center. He had a [passon for playing music and even recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. He played with the Lonesome Cowboys for several years and they were featured in an article in the New York Times. In his later years, James enjoyed playing with the Tuesday Night Pickers. He also loves spending time with his coffee-drinking buddies at McDonald's. Besides playing his guitar James loved to Joke with his friends and family. His family says he was the best dad and father anyone could have. He loved his family dearly. He was a member of the Cleveland Church of Christ.

James was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph Dewey and Viola Beulah Joel, wife, Margaret Roberson Joel, son, Jimmy Joel, brothers; Johnny Joel, J D Joel, and Charles Joel.

He is survived by his son, Lewis Michel Joel of Inverness, MS, daughter, Margaret Ann Moore of Cleveland, Ms, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Delta Height Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Marcy Mullins, Floyd Arbuckle, Gary Free, Bobby Foster, Jr., Wiley Hilburn, Larry Howard, and Lewis Lusk.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association  225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online register book can be signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net.