On June 15, the community came together to celebrate James Henry (Jake) Sherrell, who at 97 years old had spent the past 67 years mentoring young men and women in North Nashville. The celebration was organized by Ken Taylor, a Nashville activist.
Friends and family and Jake’s wife gathered to praise Jake who had operated Bel-Aire Unisex Barbershop in North Nashville for 67 years. Sherrell has brought hundreds of people to Christ while they sat in his barber chair or his shop. Jake Sherrell has been a member of Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church for over 80 years. Mr. Sherrell has led and provided guidance to so many young people, especially young Black men by dispensing his street smart wisdom over the past almost seven decades.
On hand to join in the celebration, in addition to his beautiful and loyal wife and children, were former Tennessee state Sen. Brenda Gilmore and her husband Harry Gilmore; Councilwoman Zulfat Suara; Sen. Charlane Oliver; Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite and her husband, Larry Wilhoite; Rep. Harold Love; Rev. Paula Smith and Elder Troy Merritt; Ted ‘Hound’ McClain; and many other high ranking elected officials who provided proclamations. Men from all over the city who have benefited from Jake’s wisdom and haircuts over the years ‘sang his praises.’
Mr. Sherrell died on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
