James E. Sanders

Deacon Sanders was a member of Greater Bethel Church of God in Christ, where he walked in an array of gifts, Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible Teacher, Prayer Warrior, Musician and Choir Director. James graduated from Miles High School in Union City, Tennessee.

On June 12, 1943, he was inducted into the United States Army at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. While serving his country, he traveled through Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and Scotland. In the United States Army, he received a Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon. He would often talk about his training on how to use a MM 30 Cal Rifle. James received his honorable discharge on November 14, 1945. After being discharged, he returned to Union City, Tennessee.

After returning to Union City, James began his profession as a mortician at Beard Funeral Home. He along with his sister, Pearl Beard and brother in law, Robert Beard served families throughout Obion, Gibson and Madison Counties. After the passing of Robert, James took ownership of Beard Funeral Home, while his sister, Pearl, worked for the Obion County Board of Education as a teacher. He assisted many families as a burial insurance agent. He wanted to offer peace of mind to the families that he served.

He was a man of many talents. He was a carpenter, brick mason, concrete finisher, builder of many homes in Union City and helped to complete the church annex of Greater Bethel Church of God in Christ.

For 10 years, he owned and operated a pig farm and grew corn, soybeans and cotton. His day started at 4:00 am and ended at 9:00 pm. He owned and operated Sanders Family Grocery Store, a dry cleaning business and laundromat. He believed in hard work and instilled that to his children as well as the neighborhood children. He loved to travel by way of motorhome. Every summer he would take trips to San Diego or Florida. He would often invite some of the neighborhood children to go on our family trips. I once asked him, dad why can’t we fly to San Diego? He would say, “because if I want to stop and stretch my legs and look at the scenery… I can and you can’t do that on a plane.” He had a sense of humor and always had something funny to say. He played tricks on his children and loved being around kids of all ages. He could fixed any and everything that needed to be fixed. He was truly a jack of all trades.

On April 7, 1947, in Acorn County, Mississippi, James married the love of his life, Katherine Holder of Union City. This blessed union was blessed with 5 children: James L. Sanders, Jacqueline D. Sanders, Gregory Sanders, Felicia Sanders and Teresa Sanders.

Preceding him in death are his children, Gregory and Teresa Sanders, his parents, six sisters, Dorothy Silvertooth, Pearl Beard, Mattie McNeal, Pauline, Gladys and Flora Mae Sanders, brother, Elder Paul E. Sanders, and son-in-law, Carl T. Woingust.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Katherine Sanders; children, James L. Sanders and daughter-in-law Shirley Sanders of Hemet, California; daughters, Jacqueline D. Woingust of Hemet, California and Felicia Harris and son-in-law, Arvelta Harris of Winchester, California; LaVickie Sanders of Fulton, Kentucky; son, Marcus J. Sanders and daughter-in-law, Shanbie Sanders of Perris, California; sons, David Sanders of Kenton, Tennessee and Fredrick Sanders of Jackson, Tennessee. Eighteen grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Samella Payne and husband, Johnny of San Diego, Helen “Quits” Storey of San Diego and Martha Sanders of Union City, Tennessee; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He also leaves to cherish his memory family and friends from Union City, Tennessee.

“ And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6