James "Birt" Garner

James (Birt) Garner, of Powell TN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 22. He was born on Father’s Day, June 20, 1982, at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA. He was raised in Seymour, TN and graduated from Seymour High School in 2000. He completed an associate degree in electrical engineering at Pellissippi State Community College in 2002. He worked in the Oak Ridge area since 2004 and was currently employed as an Instrument Technician at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Prior to working in Oak Ridge, he enjoyed working at NASCAR SpeedPark with his long-time friends, Dustin York and Nick MacPherson. He also learned many invaluable skills working construction alongside his father James, grandfather J.P. Garner and great-uncle, Albert Garner.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, nephew, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was the happiest when watching his children enjoy their hobbies and helping friends with projects.

Birt was preceded in death by grandparents, J.P and Louise Garner; aunt, Barbara (Garner) Robbins; mother-in-law, Claire Barnette; and father-in-law, Randy Barnette.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Leighann Garner; two daughters, Emma Shae Garner, and Reagan Claire Garner and one son, Spencer Cole Garner; parents, James and Polly Garner of Seymour; grandmother, Louray Tipton of Jones Cove; sisters Kandi (Keith) Strong of Maryville, and Kristin (Chris) Williams of Jefferson City; uncle Robert (Patti) Garner and favorite cousin Andy Garner; brother-in-law, Josh (Delores) Barnette; nieces, Kaitlyn Messer, Lorali Williams, and Sarah Barnette; nephews, Enoch Williams and Zachry (Sydney) Barnette; his wife’s aunt, Robin (Matt) Smith; great-nephews, Mason and Brady Barnette; expected great-niece; close friends, Nick MacPherson, David “Cuz” Alford, and John Higareda; former colleague and mentor, Steve Marrow; and current colleague and friend, Robert Summers. He leaves behind many other friends and coworkers that will miss him greatly.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Berry Highland South, 9010 E Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920. A celebration of life will be planned in the future.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made two future education expenses of Birt’s children. An account for future education expenses of Birt's children has been established at the Home Federal Bank, Merchants Road branch. Donation can be mailed to Leighann Garner at PO Box 4174, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 for deposit. Condolences may be offered at www.berryhighlandsouth.com