James Edward Tatum, Sr. was summoned from labor to reward on September 10, 2021.
James was born on Nov. 17, 1943, in Birmingham, Al.- the fifth of six children born to the late Reverend Jessie Clinton Tatum and Rosie Lee Patterson Tatum. He graduated from Hooper City High School where he met the love of his life - Carolyn Allen. From this marital union, two sons were born, James II and Jerrold.
Mr. Tatum was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country proudly in Transportation Services while obtaining the rank of Specialist E4. After thirty-six years of employment, James retired from Chattanooga’s Wheland Foundry in 2001. After retirement, he enjoyed a special bond with his grandchildren.
Mr. Tatum was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-one years, Carolyn Allen Tatum; grandparents, Clive and Eliza Patterson; siblings: Clintella Tatum Harris, Ocie Tatum, Leslie Tatum Shockley, Aaron Tatum, and Clarence Tatum; mother-in-law, Irma Allen; father-in-law, Calvin Allen; nieces, Priscilla and Ruby Tatum; and nephew, Anthony Bates.
As Heaven and his wife Carolyn celebrate with praise, many loving memories will be cherished by two devoted sons: James Edward Tatum II and Jerrold Allen (Tracy) Tatum of Nashville; four loving grandchildren: Jasmin Alexis Tatum, James Edward Tatum III, Justin Allen Tatum, and Jaren Alexander Tatum; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Tatum; nieces: Rosie Warren, Julia Chatman, Sharon Tatum, and Valerie Tatum; nephews: Robert Sr., Aaron Jr., James, Donald, and Fred Tatum and Rodney Bates; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
James will lie in state on Monday, Sept. 20, after 12:30 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home, with the family present from 1-3 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Reverend Robert Tatum Sr., Officiant and James Tatum II and Jerrold Tatum, Eulogists.
Military honors burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.