James Edward Gant, Sr.

James Edward "Jim" Gant, Sr. passed away at home June 28, 2022 following a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 51 years, Norma Ray Pennington Gant. He is survived by Jim (Angie) Gant Jr., Heather Gant, Michael (Mechelle) Gant, Bryan (Helen) Gant, and David (Katherine) Gant; sixteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; mother Leta Harris, brother Bruce Gant, Jr., sister Claire Householder, and several nieces and nephews. Born September 21, 1949 to Bruce Gant, Sr. and Leta Ward Gant, Jim grew up in Decatur, Georgia and graduated from Druid Hills High School. He moved to Riverdale and spent his entire career of 46 years with ING (formerly Life of Georgia). He retired to White County, Georgia in 2013. Jim was a faithful follower of Christ. He was an active church member for all of his adult life, singing in choirs, serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday school, and ministering in other capacities for more than 50 years. For the past several years he was involved in numerous ministries of Helen First Baptist Church. His daily "Good Morning" email messages were a source of encouragement to many. In addition to participating in church, Jim was an avid golfer, and he treasured close friendships forged from spending hours together each week chasing a little, white ball. He also enjoyed acting in various productions at Habersham Community Theater, where he was loved by many of his fellow performers. The family will receive visitors Thursday, June 30 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, Georgia. Funeral services will be Friday, July 1 at 11 AM at Helen First Baptist Church. Pastor Jim Holmes will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Northeast Georgia Christian Counseling (www.negachristiancounseling.com) or to Habersham Community Theater (www.habershamcommunitytheater.com). Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland.