James J. Kyker, age 88, Jonesborough, TN, went to his final rest on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Mr. Kyker was born in Washington County, TN and was the son of the late Jake H. Kyker and Nola Marsh Kyker. He was preceded in death by his wife Olivia Burdine Kyker on March 1, 2014. They had been married for 55 years. Also preceding him in death were his brothers and sisters, Ruby Edwards (Osco), Velma Huisman (John), Mabel Payne (Russell), William “Howard” Kyker (Betty), and Dennis Kyer (Roberta).
He attended Mt. Wesley and Mayberry United Methodist Churches.
At age 17, Mr. Kyker volunteered to serve in the United States Navy for 21 years, serving as Air Traffic Control Radio Operator and then as an Electronic Technician. He was in a serious military airplane crash in 1952 in Newfoundland. He was one of two surviving crew members. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired as honored Chief on August 12, 1968. He chose to return home to the community that he loved and where he grew up and spent his retirement days dairy farming.
Survivors include one daughter, Sandra Holt (David); one son, Jim Kyker (Kim); four grandchildren, Travis Holt (Katrina), Tracy Holt, Amelia Kyker, Lindsey Kyker; two great-grandchildren, James and Emmarie Holt; one sister, Norma Jean Funderberg (Shawnee Oklahoma); and several really special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire Conklin Community, Mt. Wesley Church, The Veterans Administration Home Care Team, the Staff of Four Oaks and Lakebridge Healthcare Center, Caris and VA Hospice and many friends and relatives.
A private family service will be held at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at Mr. Kyker’s request.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.