MR. JAMES MERDIE BOARD, age 65, of Eastman, GA, died Monday, June 30, 2025, at his residence. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. James was born in Deland, FL on April 8, 1960, to the late Mary Alice Foskey Board and Lewis Isaac Board. He attended Deland High School and was a member of New Daniels Baptist Church. In his early years, James worked in construction and in stucco, was a former heavy equipment operator that worked with Homer Vaughn Construction and worked for over 20 years as a truck driver. He was a dedicated husband and loving father and grandfather who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was a diehard Florida Gators and Jeff Gordon NASCAR fan. He was affectionately known as “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Diane Willis and Paula Smithson, sister-in-law, Kathy Beard, father-in-law, Ken Kreimar, brothers-In-Law, William Allen, JR Willis, Neil Smithson, and chosen brother, Chucky Moreland. He is survived by his Loving Wife of 20 years; Son; Step-Son; Step-Daughter; 7 Grandchildren; Great – Granddaughter; Mother-in-law; Sister; Brothers; Sister-in-law; Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. The family may be contacted at the residence and requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to New Daniels Baptist Church, 3636 Abbeville Hwy, Eastman, GA, 31023, or Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter, 77 Industrial Blvd., Eastman, GA 31023.