Obituary of James Frank Gunn

With dignity and comfort, James Frank (Hoover) Gunn made his earthly transition to the loving arms of his Savior on April 15, 2023, at the age of 93. He was a much beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle, friend and mentor to many fine young men during his high school coaching years at Grundy County High School. He was born on May 31, 1929, to Roscoe and Georgia Wilson Gunn on the family farm in Pelham, Tennessee. His Uncle, Garner Patton, gave him the nickname “Hoover” immediately upon seeing him by saying, “he was another little Hoover”, who was president at that time. He is survived by his wife, Judi; daughters, Cindy (Luke) and Cheryl (Bill); sons, Jimmy (Sandy) and James Eskald (Chris); granddaughters, Jennifer (Jeremy), Casandra (Cory), Nikki (Tre); great-granddaughters, Georgia Lynn, Ally and Rhya; his brothers Tom and Hamp; his sister, Nelena; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill and sister JoAnn. Hoover was a participant in many activities, civic associations and endeavors. He played football in the service and made the All Air Force Team. He was a Grundy County Commissioner for 16 years, was a health teacher and coach for the Grundy County High School for 4 years, was on the Grundy County Soil Conservation Committee, and won several awards for agriculture from the Soil Conservation Committee. He was very well respected by fellow farmers and various agriculture committee members and court members. He enjoyed a long career with the USDA after which he returned to Pelham Valley and fulfilled a long-time dream of raising Angus cattle. He was proud of his farm and kept it well-maintained, adding to the beauty of the area. His favorite teams were the Tennessee Vols and the Atlanta Braves, especially when they were winning! Saying goodbye is not easy and he will be greatly missed but his memory will be treasured and live forever in our hearts. He will be remembered as a man of very strong character whose integrity never faltered; he was a man known to be fully trustworthy. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 11-2 PM. Services will be conducted by Rev. Miriam Seyler and Dr. Clayton Jones at 2 PM. Veteran Honors will be presented by the Robins Air Force Base Honor Guard. Burial will immediately follow at Pelham Church of Christ Cemetery in Pelham. A dessert reception will follow at the Pelham Community Center. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be mailed to The Pelham Valley Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, c/o Jimmy Rogers, 787 Goodman Road, Pelham, TN 37366. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net Arrangements by Cumberland Funeral Home, 207 Mabee Avenue, Monteagle, TN 37356.