James Theodore Sanders (J.T.) of Fayetteville Ga. was born on Aug. 27, 1933, he left this earthly life on Aug. 18, 2012.
James was born in Taylor County, Ga. and was reared in Thomaston, Ga. and had lived in Fayetteville Ga. since 1972. Prior to that he lived in Atlanta Ga.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Katie Martin Sanders Small and Benjamin Franklin Sanders and his sister Hazel Ussery. He took his final breath in the loving arms of his beloved wife Betty and daughter Debbie who he adored.
James is survived by his wife of 57 years Betty Caldwell Sanders and daughter Deborah S. Sanders and three step-grandchildren; Andrea Mock Sullivan, Johnnie Mock, and Kelly Tynes, brother-in-laws; Johnnie L. Caldwell, Sr., Jack (EB) Caldwell and his wife Martha, sister-in-laws; Minnie C. Daniel and Hazel C. Cotney, many nieces and nephews. James leaves behind many dear friends he considered his family.
James served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1954 on the USS Avintiniss. In 1960, he joined the Atlanta Police Department and remained with them through their merge with Fulton County Police Department until Dec. 1991, retiring as a Lieutenant. On June 3, 1961, his daughter’s first birthday, he graduated from John Marshall Law School.
During his life and following retirement, James enjoyed time on his Harley Davidson, often joined by his wife and daughter. James and Betty traveled extensively throughout the United States and into Canada both by car and on ship. An Alaskan cruise became one of his most treasured travel experiences.
Throughout his life, laughter was a constant companion as he shared his humor through the brightest and darkest times. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and friend.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, 180 N. Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Batts, Ph.D. will officiate. Honoring the wishes of the family, James will be cremated following the funeral service. Carl J. Mowell & Son, fayetteville-www.mowellfuneralhome.com. 770-461-7641.
