Mr. Jess J. Cantrell, age 95, of Old Highway 2, Fannin county, GA, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2009. Born in Fannin County, GA he was the son of the late Arthur and Callie Foster Cantrell.Jess was a WWII Army Veteran serving in the 4th Division, Combat Engineers. While in the 4th Division he was awarded a Purple Heart. In the fall of 1944, he was captured by the enemy in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany, and remained a prisoner of war until Germany surrendered. Mr. Cantrell and his wife Myrtle operated Cantrell's grocery for many years on old Highway 2. He also worked as a carpenter and farmer. He was a deacon of the Hipps Chapel Church and was very close to his congregation and his pastor. Jess also served as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent at the Colwell Baptist Church for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Foster Cantrell and one daughter, Marsha Cantrell Welch.He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Sammie Brown Millican and son-in-law, Dr. Michael Millican of Roswell, GA; grandsons, Beau Jess Welch of Roswell and Nelson Brown, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; great grandson, Tyler Jess of Roswell, GA; extended family Joan Brown of Douglasville, GA Don Patterson of Jennings, FL, Bill Queen of Macon, GA Bradleigh and Zeak McPherson of Epworth, GA.Funeral services were conducted Thursday, January 22, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Delmar Davenport and Rev. Glen Collis officiating. Music was provided by very special friends. Interment followed in the Colwell Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Billy Cantrell, David Foster, Tommy Ash, Zeak McPherson, Sam Lewis, and Jimmy Brown. The following gentlemen served as honorary pallbearers: Guy Key, Al Kline, Larry Watson, and Daniel Watson. Military Rites were provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hipps Chapel Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.