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John R. James, 97, of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away Wednesday July 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving children. Mr. James was born May 30, 1921 to the late William and Rose (Crane) James in Hugo, Ok., where he grew up with two brothers and two sisters.
John served in WWII and was a Purple Heart recipient. While flying a B17 Bomber over Czechoslovakia, his plane was shot down and John was shot as well. His survival was fragile, and he remembered being revived by a red headed surgeon performing CPR. For much of his career he worked at the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aeronautical Engineer. John always credited his wife Mary for convincing him to get his college degree, and always claimed it was the best decision he ever made!
His hobbies included tinkering in his beloved workshop doing woodwork, turning steel, reworking cars and engines (big and small), gardening, raising cows all while singing, humming and rapping out tunes with his knuckles on any available surface. He was most talented for building and repairing almost anything. John made miniature precision engines and created all the tiny parts of his metal lathe. At 90 he was still able to turn parts on his lathe for private aircrafts.
Mr. James was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Moore James, and his eldest son: David William James. He is survived by his son: John C. James (Lee), and two daughters: Bonnie L. DeArmond, and Jennifer J. Bigham (Roger), and blessed to have eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
John will be remembered for his gentle and kind natured manner, but most of all for his resourcefulness in being able to rework anything and turn it into something. His children described him as a patient, kind, smart, caring, even tempered, happy individual. They are grateful that despite a serious childhood illness, the Depression and WWII, he became a caring loving father, husband and gentleman.
The JamesFamily is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy. 54 West Fayetteville, Ga.,, www.georgiacremation.com.
The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory below.
Bonnie Helander says
I loved reading about your dad! He fathered some exceptional children, so I know he was extra special! I hope your days ahead are filled with sweet memories. Love Bonnie Helander ❤️
Brenda Sumpter says
What an amazing guy! A true American hero!!! Your dad is an example of The Greatest Generation! Our condolences to you and your family! We love you, our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Love,
Will and Brenda
Saranel Winkler says
Mrs. Bigham, l am Jill’s Mom, and l know your Dad was very special to Zach and he loved him so muchd. After reading his obit can understand what a special person he must have been. My condolences to you and your family.
Saranel Winkler says
Mrs. Bigham, l am Jill’s Mom, and l know your Dad was very special to Zach and he loved him so much. After reading his obit can understand what a special person he must have been. My condolences to you and your family.
Carol Tamplin says
Jennifer, when your dad’s obituary said he could “rework anything and turn it into something”, I realized where you got the gumption to “rework” Dunaway Gardens! Your dad sounds like someone I would love to have known. I am thinking of you and your family and sending love and prayers.
evelyn jones says
I enjoyed reading about you father. He was an outstanding man.
Karen Wilkes says
It is said that “Life is for the Living”. How appropriate this saying is in learning of your fathers life and the experiences that he had. The comment “Duty to God, to family and country clearly describe him. We feel for your loss and extend our love to you at this very difficult time! Brent & Karen
Martha Smith says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Martha and Cliff Smith
A friend says
Bonnie. Your dad was an amazing man. A true gentleman and a man that produced love and gentleness in his children. I understand how much you adored him and prayed for his health and soul. He fathered you well and you were a kind and thoughtful daughter to him.
Margaret Gillham says
Bonnie, Jenny, and Family!
I’m sorry for your loss! Praying for all of you with much love!
Margarer Gillham
Dianna Parlontieri says
Jennifer,
Your father sounds like a wonderful man and I know how proud you were of him. Rich and I send our love and deepest condolences to you and your family.
Pam Giles says
Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss! I know you loved your Dad so much and he was a wonderful man I can see from the obit. Thank you for sharing about his wonderful life. He will be remembered well.
Janie Jewell says
Bonnie, I am sure your heart will always flutter with smiles from thoughts of your days with Dad. He was an incredible brave soul with a love for our country, an unquenchable creating spirit making everything better with the touch of his hand, and a laugh on his lips. The exemplification of his brilliance shines on in this world, because he did resonate in you. Walk with a spring in your step. Remember you are so blessed. God is still working glory out in us all! He is the Potter! He had finished his Pot and given it a wonderful sheen for all to admire.
Marquetta Childs says
I’m so pleased to say I met my fellow Okie and grew to love him through you Bonnie. You are blessed to have a man of such sterling character as your earthly father. I’m sorry for the pain of losing him. You John and Jen continue to be in my prayers. God bless.
Marie Umbach says
Jennifer, sorry for your loss but what a long wonderful life. Enjoyed reading about your Dad, a true American hero! Our prayers and thoughts are going your way.
Becky Johnston says
He was, indeed, a great man. I truly loved him.