Funeral services for James Bennett Gattis, age 23 of Nashville formerly of Fayetteville, will be conducted Wednesday at 11 AM at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow in Kelso Cemetery. Mr. Gattis passed away Saturday.
He was a native of Lincoln County and the son of James Timothy and Susanna C. Gattis who survive. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee where he earned a Bachelors degree in Political Science in 2012. He studied and traveled in the U.K. and served an internship in London for the successful re-election of Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. In 2011 he was a member of the University of Tennessee National Champion Paintball Team. While currently pursuing a career in public policy he was employed as a service associate with Land Uniforms. Mr. Gattis was currently attending the Crosspoint Church in Nashville.
Survivors in addition of his parents include a sister Whitney Gattis and husband Capt. James Ward of Anchorage, AK, grandparents Frank Melvin and Mary Ann Gattis of Fayetteville and Shelby Colbert of Fayetteville, aunts and uncles Brad Gattis and wife Christy, Dr. James Colbert Jr. and wife Jean, Tim Colbert and wife Delia, Vickie Fee, Phillip Colbert and wife Christina and Marcus Colbert all of Fayetteville and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Jim Colbert.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday from 4-8 PM at Higgins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Howell Church of Christ, Imagination Library or the Northside Missionary Baptist Church, 84 Radio Road, Almo, KY 42020.
53 Comments To "James Bennett Gattis"
#1 Comment By Ken and Anita Noel On August 12, 2013 @ 3:34 pm
Words are hard to find at a time like this! You know we are thinking about you and will do anything we can! Praying for you!!!
#2 Comment By Kathy Talley On August 12, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
Susie, Tim and family,
There are no words in the dictionary to eloquently express my sympathy for your loss of your son.
I hope and pray that knowing that so many of your friends thoughts and prayers are with in your time of sorrow and in the days ahead.
The days ahead I am certain will be difficult and seem unbearable. Lean on those around you that are reaching out and look above to God and know that he will see you through this.
You will remain in my thoughts and prayers in your difficult times ahead in the future.
Remember the joyous moments of the past and be grateful for the years you had him.
With loving thoughts of you. Kathy
#3 Comment By Shirley Smith Jeans On August 12, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
Maryann and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your grandson. May God bless each one of you..
#4 Comment By shirley smith On August 12, 2013 @ 4:09 pm
Susie, Tim and Whitney
I am so sorry for your loss and I will be praying for comfort and peace over the next days and weeks. God is our strength during these times.
#5 Comment By Teresa Simmons On August 12, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
Susie, Tim and family.
I can not begin to know what you are going through right now, and I do not even have the words to express my heart break for you all. I can only pray that somehow God, friends and family will give you strength and comfort. Out of all of Matt’s friends, Bennett always had a special place in my heart. That smile could fill a room!
#6 Comment By Janice Johnson Lee On August 12, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
Mary Ann and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. There are not enough words to express my sympathy for you. Just know that your friends and the Heavenly father will be with you all the way. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call on me.
Janice
#7 Comment By Linda Holland On August 12, 2013 @ 5:48 pm
Tim and Susanna,
What does one say at a time like this. Words of comfort would simply be words. I did not know Bennett but know his parents and you are wonderful people. You will find a way to carry on. Know that you have so many friends who are hurting along with you and want to be supportive. Prayers are flowing.
#8 Comment By Mark McKinney On August 12, 2013 @ 6:41 pm
Our friendship formed as we played paintball together for six years. He was a great friend and comrade on the field. He will be dearly missed.
#9 Comment By Debra West On August 12, 2013 @ 7:35 pm
Susie and family,
I do not know what to say except I am so sorry for your loss and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything!
In Christian Love,
Debra
#10 Comment By Minister Theromiles & Mary Flowers & Family On August 12, 2013 @ 7:58 pm
To The Gattis Family:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in the passing of your son. We will be in prayer as you’ll go through this sorrowful time.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” Paslm 121:1-3 KJV
May God keep you in perfect peace
The Flowers Family
#11 Comment By Matt Jenkins On August 12, 2013 @ 8:03 pm
Bennett,
You were a friend and an brother to me in ways I cannot ever explain. Thank you for the years of friendship, your openness toward our paintball life, and you’re respect towards all who walked this earth.
May you rest in peace my friend.. God bless you and your family
-Mouth
#12 Comment By Bill & Mary Lee Rennie On August 12, 2013 @ 8:15 pm
May God cradle you in His arms and comfort you during this difficult time. My sympathy and deepest regrets go out to you Susanna, Tim and Whitney and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless each one of you.
#13 Comment By Judy Stafford On August 12, 2013 @ 8:27 pm
Suzanne and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss ..There are no words to say to ease your pain but, please know I am thinking of you all in thoughts and prayer.May God Bless you..
Love you, Judy Stafford
#14 Comment By Christie Mitchell Atkins On August 12, 2013 @ 9:35 pm
Deeply sorry for the loss of your precious son. Your family will remain in my prayers.
Christie and Jon Atkins
#15 Comment By Tracy, Lisa, Dean Koonce On August 12, 2013 @ 11:10 pm
Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa thought so much of him. I can’t imagine your loss but know our hearts hurt for you.
#16 Comment By J.E. and Peggy Towry On August 13, 2013 @ 12:01 am
Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
#17 Comment By Martha Pitts On August 13, 2013 @ 12:11 am
I have no words to express my deep sorrow. Just know we are sending all our love and prayers your way.
#18 Comment By Diana McBay On August 13, 2013 @ 12:20 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Hold fast to precious memories that live on in your hearts…
#19 Comment By Mike and Cindy Miles On August 13, 2013 @ 12:50 am
May God wrap his arms around you during this time of such tragedy. You will all be in our prayers in the days and weeks ahead.
#20 Comment By JOhnny Pearson On August 13, 2013 @ 12:56 am
Tim,
I just heard. I am truly sorry. You know I have been through something similar. There are only two things I can tell you that will sustain you (you will never truly be healed) but the 2 things are God and a lot of Time. Pray a lot and a lot of time.
Please know I am here.
#21 Comment By Sylvia Martin On August 13, 2013 @ 2:37 am
Mary Ann and family
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
#22 Comment By Charles and Gail Hill On August 13, 2013 @ 2:38 am
Mary Ann and Family..We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandson…May God provide you peace and comfort in the coming days.
#23 Comment By Jeff and Jane Alger On August 13, 2013 @ 3:35 am
Susanne, Tim and family,
There are no words to express our sympathy for the loss of your beautiful young son. We cannot even imagine the pain that you, your family and especially Whitney are going through with the loss of your precious Bennett.
Please know that you are surrounded with love, support and heartfelt prayers that you can get through these long and difficult days ahead.
#24 Comment By Steve Coleman On August 13, 2013 @ 3:42 am
Tim,
We are ‘brothers’ supporting one another in difficult situations when we are in uniform together, and I offer my sincerest condolences to you as a ‘brother’ during this difficult time. I’m praying for you all! God will provide you all strength necessary to lead your family through this difficult time. Love You, Man!
#25 Comment By Mary Partin On August 13, 2013 @ 5:04 am
With our sincere sympathy during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you always. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Willie C & Deen McGehee, Billy McGehee, Mary & Teresa Partin
#26 Comment By Benny Edwards On August 13, 2013 @ 12:01 pm
My thoughts are with your family in this very difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
#27 Comment By Kim Mcwhirter and family On August 13, 2013 @ 12:54 pm
Suzanne and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bennett was such a sweet boy and so handsome and kind. I have been thinking of all of you and praying for God to help you through this time. I’m here for you if I can do anything. You will continue to be in my prayers.
#28 Comment By Brenda Anderson On August 13, 2013 @ 1:02 pm
I don’t know your family or your son, but I want you to know that down the road, you will be able to smile and laugh, instead of cry, when you speak his name. I know this from losing my only son in 2008. Rely on those everlasting arms to hold you and get you through one day at a time. Sincerely, Brenda Anderson
#29 Comment By Terry Moore On August 13, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
Tim,
May God continue to bless you and keep your family in His care during these challenging days in your lives. Always there if you need me…
TMoore
#30 Comment By Don Daily On August 13, 2013 @ 6:20 pm
Tim, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I can’t comprehend the pain you are going through but there is comfort in Christ.
#31 Comment By Monica Means On August 13, 2013 @ 7:29 pm
Susanna, Tim, and family,
No words can help, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Turn to your heavenly Father to carry you through this time in your life.
#32 Comment By Suzanne (Cowley) Godsy On August 13, 2013 @ 8:15 pm
Susanna and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your great loss. I can’t begin to imagine the pain and hurt you are feeling. Know that there are so many people out there who are praying for you and your family. Know that God will never leave you He will walk with you on this journey. May you find peace and comfort in your memories and strength in those who care so much about you and your family. God bless you and keep you in his tender loving care.
In Christian Love,
Suzanne (Cowley) Godsy
#33 Comment By Dan & Pattie Holt On August 13, 2013 @ 8:48 pm
Tim, Susie and Whitney,
I am so very sorry for the loss. You will be in our thought and prayers. May God’s strength be your comfort in this difficult time.
#34 Comment By Dr. Michael Compton On August 13, 2013 @ 9:01 pm
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.
#35 Comment By Holistic Therapy (Alice Dillie) On August 13, 2013 @ 9:05 pm
We are sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
#36 Comment By Bobby Lanier On August 13, 2013 @ 9:55 pm
Great loss of a great citizen that wanted to help his fellow citizens.
#37 Comment By Karin Miller Thomas On August 13, 2013 @ 10:32 pm
To Tim: I cannot imagine the terrible loss and emptiness you and your wife and the rest of your family is feeling right now. Hearing of such a tragedy has made me hug my Autumn Skye a lot more than usual.
There are no words for such a tragedy as this. I can only speak of the time I lost my father untimely; it was friends and loved ones that held me up. Lean on them; they will be there for you. And always remember James will live on through your memories of him, your love for him, and talk to him-he is listening, I promise.
I wish I could be there, but please know that all of my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and all of James’ friends.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Karin Miller Thomas (former BofA employee and fka Karin Miller Young)
#38 Comment By Kara Anderson On August 14, 2013 @ 12:09 am
To my Tn Gattis Family,
My heart is breaking for all of you during this difficult time. Althought I don’t get to see you much you all are always with me. It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen Bennett but from pictures I’ve seen on Facebook he has had an adventurous life and done things most never get to do. Remember the good times and hold on to those memories. My love and prayers are with all of you. Luv Kara
#39 Comment By Cindy Curtis Johnson On August 14, 2013 @ 12:19 am
My thoughts & prayers are with you all!
#40 Comment By Joe stoner On August 14, 2013 @ 1:19 am
Bennett. It’s been 5 short years since we graduated high school.Everyone went there seperate ways and and started following dreams. I saw you only a few times in the past 5 years but you still had that same smile that you had everyday of school.I got the news and absolutely could not and did not want to believe it. I know your family is hurting and asking the big queation of why but my prayers are that you have accepted Christ and are with Him now.THanks for the friendship through school and I hope to see you one day again!
#41 Comment By Stan Duke On August 14, 2013 @ 1:24 am
Tim and Susanna,
My brother Ken shared with me the tragic news about your son. Having travelled down your path “we’re deeply sorry for your loss.” There truly are no words in the English language that can sooth the burning of emotions. And there is no understanding by most of the overwhelming physical toll that this takes. If there is anything that we can do to help you get through this please let us know. We know the initial shock is numbing beyond comprehension. Stan and Lisa Duke
#42 Comment By Bobby & Maple Ferguson On August 14, 2013 @ 2:06 am
As parents and grandparents words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. May God shelter you all in his arms and help you lay it all at His feet. God bless and prayers are being said for you.
Bobby & Maple
#43 Comment By Terry Kirby On August 14, 2013 @ 3:40 am
Dear family, so sorry for your loss. One day at a time. Prayers for all.
#44 Comment By Brenda Ables On August 14, 2013 @ 3:46 am
Bennett was such a handsome intelligent young man. I met him in the Stewart campaign and was impressed by his potential. My heart breaks for you in this terrible loss. I am praying for comfort for you in this time of such pain. Know that he touched many lives.
#45 Comment By Betty Lou Dunivan On August 14, 2013 @ 5:42 am
May you find comfort with God during this tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
#46 Comment By Con and Arden Humphrey On August 14, 2013 @ 3:42 pm
Dear Ones, My heart breaks for you. I was pleased to get to know Bennett in the Eric Stewart campaign. He was always so upbeat – the cutest smile in the world. I was happy to tell him that we were long-lost cousins. Please know that our prayers are with you at such a difficult time and during all the days to come. Take comfort in knowing that you will see him again in a better place.
#47 Comment By John & Amy Jo Russell & Children On August 14, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
Tim and Susie,
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers today. We pray that God will bless and comfort you during this difficult time with fond memories of Bennett. He was blessed to have committed parents and family who raised a smart, accomplished young man that will be missed by all.
You are blessing to all your neighbors and all who know you. You and your family have been in our thoughts continuously, and will continue to pray for healing mercies in the days to come.
God Bless You,
John and Amy Jo Russell and Children
#48 Comment By Amelia Holt-Sysenkham On August 14, 2013 @ 4:19 pm
My prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your life. I pray for comfort and healing from the Father above to surround you and in the days ahead. I personally did not know Bennett, but I was a bridesmaid in Brad and Christy’s wedding. I remember what a handsome young boy he was. And, from seeing his photo on this website, he is a very handsome young man. I know he will be dearly missed.
#49 Comment By Lamar Simpson On August 14, 2013 @ 5:24 pm
To the Gattis Family,
Know that you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers during this time. Our prayer for your family is that God will grant you peace, that he will lift the heaviness from your hearts, and that all the wonderful memories of your son will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Amen!
Lamar and Keely Simpson
#50 Comment By Ricky & Christi Howell On August 17, 2013 @ 4:23 pm
Tim & Suzi, we are so very sorry for your loss. May God guide your family through this difficult time in your lives.
#51 Comment By Lewis Webb On August 18, 2013 @ 2:13 am
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers and aksing God to grant you strength and comfort.
#52 Comment By Art Vaulk On August 19, 2013 @ 7:12 pm
Tim,
I am so sorry for your loss and for the pain this has caused you, your family and loved ones. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
#53 Comment By David Douglas On September 2, 2013 @ 12:31 pm
I cant belive that such a wonderful young spirit has been taken so young. He was a great guy and brightened up our office when he was her. Terrible news