James Tanner

James Tanner, age 80, of Gainesville, passed away Monday, April 24, at his residence.  Mr. Tanner was born on August 2, 1942, to Hoke and Verna Crow Tanner.  He was a beloved Husband, Dad, and Papa.

Mr. Tanner graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1974, with an emphasis in Industrial Arts.  Prior to attending the University of Georgia, Mr. Tanner served in the Army reserves for one year and then in the Navy for  6 and a half years including active duty in the Vietnam War.  Mr. Tanner had a variety of creative interests, including painting, poetry, and gardening, the products of which he loved to share with his family and others. He loved to teach his grandchildren and share his interests with them.  He was an avid reader.  Mr. Tanner and his wife loved to drive through the mountains. He shared a love of sports with his son, Chad and would often share flower clippings with his daughter, Gina.  A great love of Mr. Tanner was singing in the choir at Blackshear Place Baptist Church (now Christ Place Church), and teaching children’s Sunday School for over 30 years, with his beloved wife of 46 years, Martha.  After a career in construction, he worked with the building maintenance staff at Blackshear Place Baptist Church until his retirement. 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Tanner was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha; brother, Dr. Gene Tanner; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Ray Morlock; brother, Doug Tanner; brother-in-law and nephew, Don Parks and Patrick Parks; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Herman and Mary Grace Martin; brother-in -law and sister-in-law, Kermit and Ann Martin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, LC and Regina McNeal; nephew Chris McNeal; brothers-in-law Emmett Martin and Benny Nix; sisters-in-law Colene Martin, and Caroline West.

Mr. Tanner is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Brandon Adams of Alpharetta, grandchildren Charlie Adams and Cate Adams, and son, Chad Tanner of Gainesville, grandchildren Grayson Tanner and Rose Tanner.  Mr. Tanner is also survived by his sister, Nell Parks of Gainesville; brother Larry Tanner (Ann) of Gainesville; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Tanner of Gainesville, and Martha Tanner of Augusta; brother-in-law Rev. Robert West of Gainesville; sister-in-law Mary Lou Nix of Clermont; brothers-in-law Frank Martin (Stacy), Ellis Martin (Nancy), all of Gainesville, sister-in-law Winnie Martin of Marietta.  A number of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives also survive. Nephew John Martin served as a caregiver the last couple of months.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 2:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with Reverend Jim Austin officiating.  The family will have a private burial prior to the celebration service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Place Church, or Gideons International.   

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com