Mr. Billy Eugene “Gene” James, 58, of Ellijay, died Friday, May 28, 2021.
He was born Sept. 4, 1962, in Ellijay, to Billy Max and Mary Sue Bennett James. He was a deacon and member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, owner of J&J Heavy Equipment Services, member of Oak Bowery Lodge #81, member of the FFA and a firefighter, co-chief of rescue.
He is preceded in death by mother, Mary Sue Bennett James, father-in-law and mother-in-law, the Rev. Lowell Boyd and Maureen Woody Grant.
He is survived by wife of 40 years, Beverly Grant James; daughters, Mallory James and T. J. McFarland, Miranda and Patrick Newton, all of Ellijay; grandchildren, Harley Baughman, Joseph Daniel Baughman, Joel Newton, Brayliegh Newton, Liam Newton; sisters, Linda and Kenny McClure, Lisa and the Rev. Chris Chastain, all of Ellijay; father, Billy Max and Brenda James, of Ellijay; sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law, Teresa and James Defoor, of Ellijay, Pat and Denny Jarrett, of Jasper.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Chastain and the Rev. Norman Gibbs officiating.
Music was by Janice Bramlett Steelman.
Interment was in the James Family Cemetery with firefighter honors by the Multi-Jurisdictional Fire Drill Team and Masonic Public Honors by Oak Bowery Masonic Lodge #81 F&AM.
Pallbearers were George Jones, Jay Parks, Mark Barnes, Michael Bennett, Tim Parks, Shane Grant, Andrew McClure and Kenny McClure.
Donations can be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1161 Pleasant Hill Road, Ellijay, GA 30540 in memory of Mr. James.
Condolences can be made at www.loganfuneralhome.com.
Logan Funeral Home & Chapel was in charge of arrangements.