James Leonard Tatum

A service honoring the life of Jim Tatum will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., following a viewing at 9:30 a.m., in the Ruth Lyndsay Auditorium at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Jim Tatum was born on June 4, 1926 and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 26, 2012. Mr. Tatum was a visionary that left an imprint on the community of Jacksonville and on the lives of thousands around the world. An entrepreneur with a love of fashion, he built a successful local retail men’s clothing business and worked energetically and enthusiastically until the Tuesday before his passing. However, the real focus of Jim Tatum’s life was to be a servant and steward for his Heavenly Father. He clothed thousands of ministers, missionaries, and orphans around the globe, generously supported missions, taught Bible classes, served as mentor to many, and lived a vibrant life always pointing others to Christ. He was a proud patriarch and loved time with his family. He was a romantic that leaves behind his adored wife of 63 years, Bernice. He was a fun loving father, grandfather, and guiding light to four children, Terri Bush (Danny), Tim Tatum (Alisa), Tracy Tatum (Stephanie), and Tammy Wilson (Gary), and nine grandchildren.

Jim Tatum’s body will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville National Cemetery as a World War II Veteran. His soul, as a Veteran in the Lord’s Army, is now present with Christ where his homecoming is being celebrated and rewarded. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”