On Saturday, May 31, 2014, James A. Whitson, age 92 of Jonesborough, TN passed away from the arms of his loving family into the arms of his Heavenly Father at the VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN.

James was born July 5, 1921 in Johnson City, TN and was the son of the late William “Pop” and Myrtle Calhoun Whitson. James proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army, serving with General Patton. They crossed the Remagen Bridge, working their way through Germany and into Czechoslovakia.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Anna Ruth Edwards Whitson. James was the last surviving sibling of 10 brothers and sisters, Ruth Arnett, Ruby Matthews, Ike Whitson, Pearl Campbell, G.D. Whitson, Billy Whitson, Ralph Whitson, George Whitson, Jackie Whitson and Lena Matthews.

James leaves behind to honor and cherish his memory two sons, Jack Whitson, Jerre Whitson and wife Barbara Hughes Whitson. Four grandchildren, Vanessa Laurence, Holly Curry and husband Maurice, Natalie Whitson, John Davis and wife Emily. Four Great-Grandchildren, Caleb and Myles Curry, and Chelsea and Cydney Davis. Three Sister-In-Laws, Grace Whitson, Ann Whitson and Betty Maupin and many nephews and nieces.

A faithful Christian servant, James was a member of River of Life Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee.

He was a retired member of the Plumber and Steamfitters Local #538.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Holloway and the entire hospice nursing staff at Building 162, VA Hospital.

A Celebration of Life for James A. Whitson will be held at River of Life Baptist Church, Piney Flats, TN with Rev. Donnie Humphreys and Rev. Paul Crowe officiating Tuesday June 3, 2014 at 7:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm before the service, or afterwards at the home of his son, Jerre (Barbara) Whitson. Interment will be Wednesday June 4, 2014 10:00AM at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Dr. Allen Burleson, Doug Jones, Danny Fair, Rick Colbough, Rick Taylor and Robbie Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be David Ratliff, Ancel Presnell Sr., Tim Lee and Charles White.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River of Life Baptist Church.