May 16, 1945 — April 22, 2024
Matthew H. Lovett & Son’s Funeral Home announces the passing of Mr. James Tatum, Jr., age 78, of Statesboro. Mr. Tatum passed away early Monday morning, April 22, 2024, at his residence in Statesboro, GA after an extended illness. He was under the compassionate care of Gentiva Hospice.
On May 16th1945,45 Dorothy L. Tatum and James Tatum Sr. welcomed their son James Tatum Jr. into the world. He was raised by his mother’s sister and brother-in-law Kenneth and Annie Peoples. He attended and graduated from Rochester area schools. He also attended various Colleges and Universities, graduating with an Associate’s degree from Faith Temple Christian College and a certificate in child development from Mira Costa Community College in Oceanside California. James was married to his wife, Petrease Tatum for 39 years. Both have been active members of Crossroads Community Church since August 2017 when they arrived in Statesboro Georgia. They have also been long-term members of The Rise Church of Oceanside, formally Faith Temple Christian Center for 33 years.
James was an educator at Rochester Area Schools, Oceanside Unified School District, and Faith Temple Christian Schools. James also served this country faithfully in the United States Army. He served as a medic while enlisted and, served in the Vietnam War where he was wounded while in service.
James went home to be with the Lord on April 22nd, 2024, he was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy L Tatum, his father James Tatum Sr., and his foster parents, Annie L. and Kenneth Peoples. His brother Kenneth L. Mathews, his sister Barbra J. Ferguson, brother William C. Tatum, and sister Judy C. Love.
James is survived by his loving devoted wife Petrease Tatum. Son and Daughter in love Alonzo L. and Tomika M. Tatum. Son and Daughter in love, Jason L. and Jodi N. Tatum. Brother and sister in love Willie and Marsha Ellison. Sister in love, Jean O. Mathews. Sister Tammy Smith and Iretha Dillard. Ten loving grandchildren, Jayna, Azariyah, Aleigha, Zaire, Jai, Zoelle, Averi, Taelor, Taj, and Cali Tatum. His godchildren, Darniece Strickland, Andrea Villegas, LaTia Witcher, and Jaylen Bledsoe. A host of niece's nephews, and friends.
Public viewing for Mr. James Tatum, Jr. will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, at Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The family will receive guests for the family visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Tatum will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Crossroads Community Church, 23923 Hwy 80 West, Statesboro, GA with Pastor Zac Case, officiating.
Final disposition will be cremation.
Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements.
Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Tatum, Jr., please visit our flower store.
