Obituary of James Lankford

Mr. James W. "Bo John" Lankford, Sr. age 79 of Tracy City, Tennessee passed from this life to his Heavenly home early Monday morning with his family and friends by his bedside. "Bo John" was born in Cheatham County, a son of the late Newton Johnston Lankford and Eunice Estelle Lovelace Lankford, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lewie and Lloyd "Bubba" Lankford. He and his family moved to Monteagle in the 1960's to work on the interstate highway he was a heavy equipment operator. After the interstate was built over the mountain "Bo John" made Monteagle his home and later moved to Tracy City. He continued to work in the construction business and operated his own business for many years and then worked at the Grundy County Highway Department until he retired. "Bo John" had been active in the Grundy County Rescue Squad. He was a member of the Gum Springs Congregational Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Lankford; children, Charles Thomas, Jackie (Laurie) Campbell, Sharon Campbell, Elizabeth (Brandon) Pressley, Kristie (Robert) Tuders and James W. Lankford, II, a nephew, Howard Lewis Lankford whom he had raised and loved as a son; a special niece, Megan O'Neal; sister, Lois June Hatfield; 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held 4:00 P.M. Saturday at Gum Springs Congregational Methodist Church with Reverend Ernest Lockhart officiating. The family ask that memorials be made to Gum Springs Congregational Methodist Church, Handicap Parking Lot Project, P.O. Box 272, Tracy City, Tennessee 37387. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before services. On line condolences may be made at: www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net. Cremations services were provided by Cumberland Funeral Home, 207 Mabee Avenue, Monteagle, Tennessee.