James William Joyner

Passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013 at home under the care of Hospice Savannah. Born January 16, 1925 in Norway, SC. Jay moved to Savannah in 1942. He joined the United States Army at a young age and served in the 216 Combat Military Police with tours in New Guinea, Japan and the Phillipines. Jay was honorably discharged in 1946.

Jay was a machinist for S and A Railroad, retiring after 20 years then joined Hunt Wesson and retired after 30 years. His hobbies included gardening, cooking, creating and inventing useful tools and bird watching from his back porch. Jay loved to grow and enjoy the fruit from his backyard trees.

Jay was very active in his church at the Georgetown Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He spent many hours with his father-in-law, H. H. Cawley, Sr researching cemeteries for genealogy records. He was also a Lifetime Member of the American Legion, Post 184.

Preceding him in death was his first wife, Sarah Cawley Joyner of Savannah, adoptive parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Kimmerlin of Holly Hill, SC., his siblings, grandson Weston Joyner and stepson Dale Zorn of Savannah.

Leaving to mourn his passing is his wife, Virginia Zorn-Joyner of Savannah, son Ashley Joyner (Cathy) Southern Pine, NC, daughter JoAnn Kisler (Andreas) Cordova, TN. Grandchildren Audrey Simons (Nathan), Douglas Joyner, Blade Kisler. Stepchildren, Lynn Zorn, Decatur, GA, Gail Zorn (Andrew Reed), Loganville, GA, Luann Zorn-Zipperer (Mark), Pooler, GA, Shellie Zorn, Savannah. Step-grandchildren Jennifer Graves (Gary Zorn), Jessica Zipperer, Jason Zorn (Jennifer) and Kevin Zorn (Sarah). Special friends Ray and Pat Hutchinson, Pete and Marie Cawley, other family members, caregivers Vickie, Ruby, Mary Ann and all his McDonald buddies as well as many other loved ones.

All services will be held at Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel in Savannah. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 16th from 5pm to 7pm. Additional visitation available Thursday, January 17th one hour prior to the 11am service.