James Thomas Geter "Poor Boy"

James Thomas Geter, Jr. "Poor Boy" was the oldest of eight children born to James, Sr. and Mable Gillespie Geter on December 1, 1938.  His earthly life quietly ceased on Monday, May 20, 2019 at UT Medical Center.

"Poor Boy" was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1959.  After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served.  However the most significant and most memorable time was April 23, 1960 when James wed Gwendolyn Chelita Jenkins and to this beautiful holy union four children were born.  Returning home to his family after his honorable discharge from the military, his work career began at Alcoa Aluminum Company.  "Poor Boy" would eventually retire after several years of dedicated service.  He settled into retirement pretty well watching any and every sporting event on "the tube."  He will be sorely missed by, those he loved most, his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who fondly called him" DA."  
Preceded in death by his grandson, Malik Humphrey; parents; brothers, Herbert and John Geter.

Left to cherish his memory: devoted wife of 59 years, G. Chelita Geter; daughters, Kathy (James) Dailey, Kim Hooker Geter, Melanie (Michael) Humphrey and Monica (Doug) Tharpe; sons, Kevin Geter (LaToya) and Jeffrey (Valerie) Harper; grandchildren, Shanese, Ashley, Antonio (Charlie), Michael II (Hannah), Norris, MaKenzye, James II, Montrell, Trivontay and Randall; great grandchildren, JaDaria, Amiya, Shaniya, Tasya, Zha'nae, Norris Jr, Saryre, Taujai, Jayden, Harleigh, Halayah, Haizlei, Daliyah, Aniyah, Antonio Jr, Olivia, Anthony and Denise; devoted sisters, Betty Batmon and Evelyn Geter; brothers, Walter (Paulette), David (Claire) and Charles (Cindy) Geter; sister-in-law, Wanda Jenkins; devoted cousin, Frank Gillespie; devoted family friends, Melvin Arnett and family, Ollie Sudderth and family, Betty Bush and family; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019, the family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with funeral to follow at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church, 3800 MLK, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN.  Reverend Dr. Cleo A. Brooks, Pastor and Bishop Kevin A. Perry, Words of Comfort.  Interment will immediately follow at East TN Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway) where military honors and white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the service.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com 
 

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