JAMES GANTT

James “Jim” Adrian Gantt, 84, of Folkston, GA, passed away on June 15, 2011 after a lengthy illness at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. He was born on August 13, 1926 in Wagener, South Carolina, and was the youngest of six children to the late Jacob Plannie Gantt and the late Rosa Jones Gantt.
Mr. Gantt graduated from Winthrop Training School in Rock Hill, SC. After graduating from high school, he served his country by joining the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, he attended Clemson University but then transferred to and graduated from Georgia Tech.
In 1950 he joined with his brother, Marion Plannie Gantt, to open a Western Auto Store in Folkston, GA. Jim worked to serve and support the Folkston community for 48 years through the Western Auto Store and later Jim Gantt Heating and Air. He was a member of the Folkston United Methodist Church and was active in several different civic organizations in the community throughout the years, including the Folkston Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife: Merle Gibson Gantt; 3-Daughters: Karen Gantt Lloyd (Bo), Dara Gantt Conkle (Greg), and Lorrie Gantt Davis (Scott); a son: Mark Richard Gantt (Patti); 8-Grandchildren: Brad Adrian Lloyd, Reed Matthew Lloyd, Brittany Nicole Gantt, Mark Richard Gantt, Jr., Richard Kyle Conkle, Spencer Clay Conkle, Talbot Alexander Davis, and Traci Lloyd Scarbrough; 4-Great Grandchildren: Jason David “JD” Scarbrough, Lane Adrian Scarbrough, Seth Anthony Scarbrough, and Liam Adrian Lloyd.
The family will receive friends Friday June 17 at Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday June 18 at 11:00 AM at the Folkston United Methodist Church with Pastor Dave Willett officiating. Burial will follow in Pineview Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia.