James O. Vandergriff

JAMES O. VANDERGRIFF

James O. Vandergriff, 79, of Sequatchie, Tennessee was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 16, 2023, surrounded by his family after a long battle with liver cancer.  James was born March 27, 1944, to the late Russell Vandergriff and Opal Reed Smith.  He was married to Barbara Dodson Vandergriff for 56 years.  He worked as a machinist forU. S. Pipe for 33 years.  James was a faithful member of Whitwell Church of God where he served in various roles over his 50+ years of membership, from Sunday School teacher to van driver to council member.  He also served in many areas at Sequatchie Volunteer Fire Department over the last 35+ years, from volunteer fireman to secretary and treasurer to board member.  He was instrumental in getting their newest facility built.  James was an avid piddler and wood worker.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, whistling, planting a garden, watching westerns and a good laugh.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

James is preceded in death by his father, Russell Vandergriff and mother, Opal Reed Smith.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Barbara Dodson Vandergriff; daughters, April (Mark) Hulvey, JuLee Vandergriff; sister, Diane Fulfer; grandchildren, Wyatt and Dillon Hulvey; nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm CST at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tennessee.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm CST at Whitwell Church of God in Whitwell, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 1:00 pm CST at Whitwell Church of God in Whitwell, Tennessee, with Bishop Jim Mulkey and Bishop Michael Shrum officiating.

James will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper, Tennessee immediately following the funeral service.

Pallbearers are the members of Sequatchie Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Sequatchie Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.

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