James Teem

FRANKLIN - James L Teem, 90, of Franklin, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021.

James was born in Macon County to the late James Ulrich and Roxie Ann Crisp Teem. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Horace Teem, Willa Mae Estes, Annie Mae Bailey, Pauline Thompson, Johnsie Bridgeman and John Teem.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Duvall Teem; two sons, Jimmy Teem (Sandra) and Johnny Teem (Frieda); four grandchildren, Jeremy Teem (Stephanie), Nina Holland (Mark), Josh Teem (Crystal), Jade Mason (Zac); 12 great grandchildren, Lydia, Laura, Carrie, Sawyer, Eva Grace, Blair, Sammi, Coal, Hadlee, Cyler, Abel, Hayes.

James was a dedicated Christian and member of Windy Gap Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and digging ginseng. He loved Volkswagens and spent many hours working on them. He made a career at the local power company, working for Nantahala Power Company for 30 years, retiring as a foreman.

He was loved by all he met and seemed to never meet a stranger, always striking up a conversation and knowing everyone in a campground in a short amount of time. He was fun loving and a most beloved husband, father, and grandfather, adding so much joy to the lives of every family member and his many, many friends.

The family received friends and loved ones on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Macon Funeral Home. The funeral service was held at Windy Gap Baptist Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. Burial followed at Sugarfork Baptist Cemetery.

Rev. Mark Bishop and Rev. Steve Reeves officiated.

Pallbearers were Lennie Cutshaw, Tommy Bridgeman, Josh Teem, Jeremy Teem, Zac Mason, and Mark Holland. Honorary Pallbearers were Allen Berry, Jim Mathis, Jim Jim Teem, and Chris Estes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sugarfork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home handled the arrangements.