OBITUARY: James Butler ‘J.B.’ Long

James Butler “J.B.” Long, 98, long time resident of Columbia, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at The Bridge of Columbia Assisted Living.

J.B. was born on February 21, 1926 to the late James Thomas Long and the late Ethel Vanhooser Long in Giles County.

He spent twenty four years of his life at Elkton and graduated from Elkton High School in 1944. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1950, being the first in Giles County, because he was the only one that passed his physical in the first group. He served two years, most of it in Germany. He returned home and moved to Columbia and worked at DuPont & Spontex for thirty eight plus years.

He married Emily Wilburn on August 2, 1959 and she preceded him in death on July 14, 2019. J.B. was a former member of the Columbia Civitan Club, a volunteer with Maury Regional Hospital Auxiliary for twenty five years, and a longtime member of Graymere Church of Christ.

Survivors include his brother, Van Long of San Antonio, Florida; Nephew, Robert Long, Jr. of Bartlett, TN; and nieces, Belinda Moore of San Antonio, Florida, Laurie Long and Karen Sturm both of Nashville.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Thelma Cron, Gelene Long, and Frances Hill; three brothers, Thomas Long, Joseph Long, and Robert Long.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Andrew Phillips and Mike Kesler officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Visitation will be Friday, July 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Barry Christian, Danny Moser, Jimmy Fann, Joe Roberson, Fred Porter and Wayne Phillips.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Huckaby, Mike Kesler, Carter Hill, Jim Carrigan and Bill Chaffin.

Memorials may be made to Graymere Church of Christ 1320 Trotwood Ave., Columbia, TN 38401. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

A special thank you to the staff and administration at the Bridge Assisted Living, especially to his nurses Susan and Delana. Thank you to Caris Hospice Staff and J.B.’s loving caregivers Denise Gant, Tracey Cosey and Valerie Gant.

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