John
Denton James (Johnny), 76, husband of devoted wife Carolyn Shubert
James, passed away at UT Medical Center on April 30, 2022. Johnny was
born March 11, 1946, to parents John Emmett James and Jamie Haines
James, and grew up in Loudon, TN with his sister Sarah James Watkins.
Johnny graduated from Loudon High School in 1964 and continued his
education at Hiwassee College and the University of Tennessee. He
started James Body Shop and Wrecker Service, Tri-County Contractors, and
many other entrepreneurial adventures. Johnny was most recently serving
his second term on the Loudon City Council; and made many positive
contributions to Loudon County, both through his expertise and his
generosity. Johnny grew up working on the family farm and continued
farming throughout his life. He took great pride and joy in farming on
the James farm, like his father, grandfather, and great grandfather
before him. He loved to ride the tractor, take care of baby calves, haul
18-wheelers, and hunt; but most of all, he loved spending time with his
family as a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and
great-grandfather.Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John Emmett James and Jamie Haines James. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Carolyn James; daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie Jo and Jason Wallace, Tracy and Ronnie Reynolds; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and John Watkins; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and one on the way; step-daughter and husband, Lucy and Connor Farmer; step-son and wife, Charlie and Maria Rogers; 5 step-grandchildren; niece, Angela Watkins and husband, Jordan Martins; nephew, Patrick Watkins and wife, Patricia Watkins; cousins, Mary Grace, Toby, David, Scott, and Janet James, Tom and Denny Haines; faithful assistant for more than 20 years, Wilma Raby; other special friends, co-workers and employees, Everett “Peanut” Beaty, Gary Beaty, Wayne Clark, Gerald Cole, Scott Curtis, Jack and Jean Darnell, Brent Davis, Jeff Harris, Sam Hart, Jimmy Greenway, Charlie Kittrell, James “Spike” Kittrell, James “Bo” Little, Jim McKee, Sean Nicholson, Gary Whitfield, and Russell Woody.
A Celebration of Life will be held 12:30 PM Saturday, May 7th in the Historic Lyric Theatre Courtyard in Downtown Loudon. Contributions in memory of Johnny may be made to the Loudon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 342, Loudon, Tennessee 37774, or to The Hugh Harrison Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 26, Philadelphia, Tennessee 37846. The family will greet friends immediately following the service until 3:00 PM. Condolences may be left online at www.mcgillclick.com
McGill Click Funerals & Cremations, 1366 Highway 72 N, Loudon, Tennessee 37774.
Monday, May 02, 2022
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Council Member Johnny James on Saturday, April 30. He was an elected official who loved and faithfully served his community. Johnny was first elected to City Council in 2014 and then re-elected in 2018. He also served on the Loudon Utility Board for four years where his knowledge and experience were a valuable asset to Loudon Utilities. He served on the Courthouse Square Ratification Committee and was instrumental in the growth of Downtown Loudon and the revitalization of the Dunbar Rosenwald School.
Johnny was a self-made businessman who believed in the value of hard work and a commitment to his constituents. His leadership and knowledge will be greatly missed. The City of Loudon will be forever grateful for his many years of dedicated service.
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his loving wife Carolyn, and the James family.”
Sincerely,
Mayor Jeff Harris