Tony and Marie James

After 66 years of marriage, Tony and Marie James passed away within 24 hours of each other. As tragic as it is, it is also very beautiful. While Marie’s condition continued to deteriorate, Tony stopped responding to anything. The only response he had the last two days of his life was when Marie was struggling to take her last breaths. After Marie passed, Tony followed the next day.

Marie Dalton James, age 86, Knoxville, passed away on December 9, 2020, her 86th birthday. Marie accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and grew up in Rutledge, TN, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Tony James. Their early years of marriage were filled with adventure as they lived in a variety of areas across the country from Albuquerque, NM, to Holyoke, MA. Eventually, they settled in Knoxville to raise their family.

Retired from Ford Motor Credit and a member of Chilhowee Hills Baptist, Marie devoted her life to raising her two sons, Mike and Mark.

Preceded in death by her son Mike; parents Tandy and Fleta Dalton; brother J.T. Dalton; and niece Treca Roberts Russell. She is survived by her son Mark; sister Jean (Wayne) Roberts; four nieces and four nephews.

Tony Garrett James, age 88, Knoxville, passed away on December 10, 2020, two days after his birthday. Tony grew up in Rutledge, TN, and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.

Tony served for four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was assigned to the Atomic Energy Command. Additionally, he was sent on an 18-month tour of duty in West Germany and was honorably discharged in January 1957.

Tony was a member and deacon at McCalla Avenue Baptist and later Chilhowee Hills Baptist. Tony was also a member of Burlington Lodge, Master in 1977 and serving as Chaplain for many years afterwards. He retired from Rohm & Haas Chemical Company after 36 years. Following retirement, he became a motor coach operator and president of Tony’s Tours from the early 1990s until he retired a second time in 2002. Ten years later, he would retire a third time from Berry’s Funeral Home. Without exception, Tony loved people.

Preceded in death by his wife, Marie; son Mike; parents Jim and Letha James; brother Joe James; sisters Polly Arnett and Iva Morgan; and niece Treca Roberts Russell. He is survived by his son Mark; sister Shirley Fortner; brother Jimmy James; four nieces and four nephews.

In light of COVID-19, there will be a private, socially distanced graveside service with face coverings held at Eastview Memorial Gardens, 1320 Andrew Johnson Highway, Strawberry Plains, TN, 37871 on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael James Scholarship Fund at The University of Tennessee, College of Engineering, 124 Perkins Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996-2012.

Mom and Dad, you sacrificed so much for your family and you leave a tremendous legacy of love and respect from so many. You taught me by example to love God, love people, and love the church. That lesson will live on. Dad, I will miss your hugs. Mom, I will miss the way you passionately prayed for my safety every single time I made a trip of any kind. I rejoice that you are both finally whole and happy. I’ll see you again someday.

“I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us.” Romans 8:18 (CEV)