James Lossie Potter

James Lossie Potter, 57, of Niceville, Florida, transitioned unexpectedly on October 19, 2023.  Born on July 9, 1966, to James Potter, Sr. and Carolyn Barnhill  in DeFuniak Springs, FL., James is the eldest of seven children.  He attended primary and secondary schools in Walton County, and he was proud of his football legacy at Walton High School.  James was an important part of the community through his work at Showell Farms, Waste Management, Inc, Dave Capps Electric Service, and he enjoyed volunteering at the Matrix Community Outreach Center. James was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, and his favorite scripture was Psalm 91.

While James truly enjoyed watching football, fishing, and hunting, he loved working on projects with his brothers, cooking, playing with his nieces and nephews, watching Westerns with his mom, or Yellowstone with his sisters even more.  Kay-K, his dog, was very important to him as well, and his time spent helping people at the Matrix COC was something he took great pride in.  Making sure to remind everyone of his birth order by saying, “I’m the oldest!” and creating great dishes on “JP’s Cooking Show” with hilarious commentary on Facebook are among the special memories his family will always treasure.  Friends remember James as a very kind guy, but one who would always speak his mind no matter the person.  He had a great sense of humor and could make anyone laugh.

He is preceded in death by his Father, James L. Potter, Sr., both paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents.

He leaves behind his Mother, Carolyn Barnhill of DeFuniak Springs, FL;  3 Brothers - Karlen L. Potter of Fort Mitchell, AL; Tyrone Potter of Tucson, AZ; Michael Barnhill (LaWanda) of Auburn, AL; 3 Sisters - Olivia Andrews-Beard (Brent Beard) of Allen, TX; Candice Andrews of Clarksville, TN; Kari Barnhill of Chicago, IL; 2 Aunts and  3 Uncles - Alverdean, Gloria, Rudy, Chester, and Joseph Robinson, respectively; 6 Nephews - Tyrell Potter, LaKorte’ Potter, Brevin Beard, Justin Barnhill, Brandon Beard, and Cortlin Fleming; 2 Nieces - Riara Potter and Myniah Barnhill; and a host of cousins and close friends, especially Frederick and Essie Walker-Siples, Bernice Sheffield, and Cousin Jeffrey.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, 1 p.m., at  McDonald Family Funeral Home, 668 Walton Rd, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. The family will receive visitors after the service at the repass at The Community Civic Center, 361 N. 10th St., DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.