James Thomas Sheppard

James Thomas Sheppard, 'J.T.', 91, a native of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Appalachian Christian Village, Johnson City, Tennessee. He was a World War II Army Veteran, having served in the European Theater-707 Tank Battalion. His last action was the Battle of the Bulge under General George Patton. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr. Sheppard was co-owner and manager of Sheppard Tobacco Warehouses in Kinston, North Carolina and Statesboro, Georgia. He was also co-owner of Farmers and Merchants Warehouses in Johnson City, Tennessee. Mr. Sheppard was a member of the Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge #825 and the Johnson City Country Club. He also served on the Johnson City Industrial Board for eight years. He loved playing golf with his friends and spending time at the family beach cottage in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert E. and Viola Rogers Sheppard, his loving wife: Charlotte Hope Sheppard and his sister: Grace Sheppard Kirk. Surviving are his step-son: Jerry Potter and wife, Linda , of Bristol, Tn. Daughter: Steva Williams and husband Bill, of Suffolk, Va. Daughter: Tricia Jones and husband Lee, of Elizabeth City, N.C. Son: James T. Sheppard, Jr. and wife Lyle, of Wake Forest, N.C., and sister, Patricia Scofield, of Clearwater, FL. Grandchildren include Dr. Jennifer Hawkins of Morgantown, WV.; Courtney Gartman of New York City; Ashley Hall of Columbia, Md.; Taylor and Lindsey Jones of Elizabeth City, NC; Justin and Jarrett Hayes of Raleigh, NC. and four Great Grandchildren. The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Appalachian Christian Village, especially 'J.T.s girls.' In addition, a special thanks is extended to Dr. David Freeman and Dr. Christopher Sholes for their many years of health care to Mr. Sheppard. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 3:00pm in the North Chapel of the Morris '? Baker Funeral Home under the direction of The Reverend Doug Grove-Dejarnette. The will be no visitation. There will be a committal service following the funeral service in Monte Vista Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.