Rhonda Gass James

Died: Feb. 9, 2013

CHURCH HILL -- Rhonda Gass James, 59, of Rogersville, went to be with Jesus Saturday. Rhonda had not been sick and her death was unexpected.

She was born in Greeneville and graduated from South Greene High School in 1971.

Her family was everything to her. Rhonda devoted the majority of her time to her husband, four children, and 13 grandchildren.

She was loved by everyone who met her. Rhonda was not only a beloved "Mom" and "Mamaw" to her own grandchildren, but to many others in the community as well.

In recent years, Hawkins County and beyond, have enjoyed her spectacular Christmas light displays on Highway 11W.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maxine Simpson and John T. Gass.

Survivors include her loving husband of 42 years: Dr. Ronald D. James; son: Rondon James and wife, Rachel, of Mount Carmel; three daughters: Ronette Burns and husband, David, of Surgoinsville, Ronea Murray and husband, Randy, of Kingsport, and Robin Fritts and husband, Josh, of Rogersville; and grandchildren: Reagan James, Rhyann James, Alexis Berlin, Ashley Berlin, John David Burns, Gabriel Burns, Kasey Burns, Ethan Murray, Dylan Murray, Landon Fritts, Belle Fritts, Jackson Fritts, and Chloe Fritts.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Hope Community Church, 4163 Highway 11W, Rogersville.

A celebration of Rhonda's life will follow at 7 p.m. at the church with Pastor Rip Noble and the Rev. Jonathan Lovelace officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Bellamy, Eben Jones, David Burns, Josh Fritts, Bo Walters, Anthony Wallen, Charles Jones, and Michael Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate financial contributions to help maintain the Christmas lights Rhonda loved so much. Donations may be mailed to the Rhonda James Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 178, Surgoinsville, TN 37873.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill, is serving the James family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.cartertrent.com.