Born in Woodson, Arkansas, to the late John Thomas and Rosa Lee Shubert Gaddy, James Marcell grew up in a farmer's life.
James was the sixth of eight surviving children. Three siblings died at birth or in infancy.

Marcell, as he was called by his family, joined the United States Army by WWII draft on June 6, 1942 at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. He was then stationed at Fort Rucker. He went AWOL to marry his true love and sweetheart, Annie Lou Jacobs, on April 12, 1943 in Ozark, Alabama. The story goes he went AWOL on a friday, married Annie with a hunting camouflage jumpsuit on over his uniform, and was back on base by monday morning. He was a member of 81st Infantry Company A 306th Engineer Combat Battalion, Wildcat Division which served in the pacific.

James Marcell was employed by Riceland Rice Company and lived in Stuttgart, Arkansas, following his honorable discharge with a PFC rank from the Army. He was called "Jimmy" by his wife. Jimmy and Annie had two children while living in Stuttgart. Lavonda Ann and Janella Koren. The Gaddy family move to Columbus, Georgia sometime in the late 1950's. There he was employed by the Muscogee County School District as a carpenter and retired after 25 years of service. He received a large plaque with a gold plated hammer as a retirement gift from the school district.

James Marcell was a devoted man of God who worshipped at Trinity Temple Asembly of God. He built several items that are still used in the church today. He was also a devoted baseball fan, especially the Atlanta Braves. Family remember him switching channels during commercial breaks to check-in on the other games but would always return to the Braves. His grand-daughter Valerie used to make brownies during the games for him to enjoy. He also had a special tea glass that was a gift from his grandson, Tim, that had a fishing luer in it. All of his grandchildren and great grandchildren "played" in Paw Paw's tea glass.

James Marcell went to serve the Lord in Heaven on October 19, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at St. Francis Hospital. He was laid to rest with Military Honors on October 22, 2008 with the playing of TAPS by a bugler and the presentation of the retired American Flag used as a pall to the family.

James Marcell was a loving and devoted husband for 65 years to his Annie. He was an exceptional father who taught his daughters to be anything they wanted to be, a Paw Paw who always made time and anything else for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh."

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Cause of Death: Broken Heart, Complications from Stroke, Complications from Congestive Heart Failure.