James "J.W." Washington Tallent

James W. Tallent, (87) of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 26, 2021, after a brief illness. J.W., as he was better known to his family and friends, was a 1951 graduate of Knoxville High School as well as a Korean War veteran serving in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman from 1952 to 1956 aboard the hospital ship USS Haven. J.W. was employed by the Knoxville News Sentinel for 40 years in many different capacities and upon his retirement as Director of Circulation. J.W. was a decades-long member of Masonic Oriental Lodge No. 453 F&AM. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil B. Tallent and Dorsie P. (Morgan) Tallent ; sisters, Hazel (Tallent) Haws and Betty (Tallent) Davenport and nephew, Doug Haws. J.W. is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia L. (Crumbliss) Tallent; son, James A. (Brenda) Tallent of Maryville and daughter, Tamara L. Tallent of Knoxville as well as three sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces. A Masonic service will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN with an Entombment Service to follow. The family has requested that all those who plan to attend adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear facial coverings. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.