James Samuel Warren, 85, died Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at his home following a brief illness.

"Jim" was born in South Pittsburg, TN, to Lot Henry and Birchie Mae Simmons Warren and lived his entire life in this area he loved so dearly.

After graduating from South Pittsburg High School, he entered the United States Army during World War II and served a tour of duty in Germany. When he returned, he entered David Lipscomb College and graduated with a degree in Education. It was here he met and married his wife of 60 years, Martha Louise Holman Warren.

Jim's career in education began with teaching at a one room school in New Hope, TN. He later taught and assisted with coaching football at South Pittsburg High School. He furthered his education at Middle Tennessee State University and obtained a Masters Degree in Administration and soon became a principal at Bridgeport High in Alabama. He then came back to Tennessee in 1971 as principal of South Pittsburg High until his retirement. He was a true Pirate fan.

Though education was his career for 40 years, his greatest love was his church and church family. He began preaching during his college years and continued till a few weeks before his death. His recent illness kept him from filling in for a vacationing minister. Whitwell, Jasper, Richard City, Edgefield, and South Pittsburg Churches of Christ were blessed by his ability to preach the Word and connect to people with a gentle, loving spirit. He also served as an Elder to many of these congregations.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife Martha Holman Warren. He is survived by his children, Sam (Judy) Warren, Susan (Wayne) Bentley, and Jane (Gary) Pellam; Grandchildren, Sherry Turner, David (Kimberly) Warren, and Zachary (Holly) Warren; great-grandchildren, Hayden Turner, Eli Warren, Macy Claire Warren, and Isaac James Warren.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 25th, at 2 PM Central Time at the South Pittsburg Church of Christ. Interment will be in Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper.

The family will receive friends at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg on Saturday, November 24th, from 5 to 9 PM and at the church on Sunday from Noon until the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Beene Cemetery Association, 2101 Cumberland Avenue, South Pittsburg, TN 37380.