James N. McPherson

James Nelson McPherson, a descendant of several pioneer Cobb County families, and a life long resident of Cobb County, left this life on May 11, 2010. Mr. McPherson, 82 years young, was the son of Mr. Horace A. & Mrs. Mamie Sue Owen McPherson, and the grandson of Mr. A. A. (Gus) & Mrs. Mertice Dunn McPherson and Mr. Tom & Mrs. Julia Hairston Owen all of Cobb County.

Mr. McPherson was a veteran of the U.S Navy.

He worked for Lockheed for more than 40 years in the Finance Division and retired in 1990 from his position as Director of Pricing and Control. He was involved in such diverse programs as the C-5A, C-130, C-140 and many others. After retirement he and his wife spent several years traveling to see the world and alternating between vacation homes in Florida, Blue Ridge, Alabama and their home in Marietta.

Mr. McPherson was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for 71 years, where he first attended at the young age of 11. During the 1960s and 1970s he was instrumental in relocating the church from its original location on Post Oak Tritt Road to property on Johnson Ferry Road. The property was donated to the church by his Grandfather and Grandmother McPherson.

Mr. McPherson was an avid outdoorsman most of his life. He enjoyed reading, spending time with his family, and especially enjoyed Braves baseball during his later years. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara McPherson, his five children -Sherry Rakestraw (Paul) of Canton, Julia McPherson of Kennesaw, Van McPherson (Lynn) of New Kent, Virginia, Laurie Garrison (Greg) of Roswell, and Keith McPherson (Rhetta) of Marietta, along with 11 Grandchildren: Kimberly Madden, Dawn Dickerson, Heidi Monroe, Paige Blevins, Robert Dickerson, George Lewis, Matt McPherson, Jake McPherson, Josh McPherson, Alex Garrison, and Luke Garrison; 12 Great Grandchildren: Tayler Monroe, James Day, Nathan Tucker, Victoria Tucker, Malory Monroe, Liam Blevins, Seth Madden, Bailey Dickerson, Lance Madden, Brianna Dickerson, Lane Blevins and Braden Dickerson ; and 3 Step Grandchildren: Lori Weatherford, Ben Rakestraw and Matt Rakestraw. Mr. McPherson is also survived by two brothers, two aunts, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at H. M. Patterson and Son Funeral Home, Old Canton Road on May 13th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Johnson Ferry Road on May 14th at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Post Oak Tritt Road. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be sent to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

H.M. Patterson and Son, Canton Hill Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. James N. McPherson