James Clay McFerrin passed from this life on December 12, 2020 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, TN, just three months after the death of his beloved wife of 62 years, Helen Joyce Davis McFerrin. In light of the current environment, a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11 AM at Prosperity Cemetery in Lincoln County, TN with Dwight Fuqua officiating. A virtual memorial will be posted online.
He was the son of the late James Earl and Alta Miriam Rogers McFerrin of Fayetteville, TN. James was born on July 28, 1936 in Belleview, TN on the farm where he lived most of his life. He attended Belleview Elementary School and Central High School in Fayetteville and graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1958 with a degree in Agriculture.
He was employed by the Carnation Company as a dairy field man and then entered active military service with the US Army during the Berlin Wall Crisis of 1961. He returned to Belleview in 1962 and operated a dairy farm with his father until the late 1980’s. He retired from a rural route with the US Postal Service in 2002.
He and Mrs. McFerrin enjoyed their retirement years traveling and exploring the back roads and visiting children and grandchildren. He cultivated a large garden and always had plenty to share with family and friends. He loved to keep up with weather statistics and had a deep interest in genealogy. He compiled a detailed family history dating back to the late 1400’s with not only births and deaths but letters, oral histories, and world events.
His work continued throughout retirement in the form of compiling a lifetime of Sunday morning and Wednesday night Bible studies into two books and a daily bible study program emailed and posted online for well over a thousand recipients. He loved the Lord and His church and was a long-time member of the State Line church of Christ in Lincoln County and for the last three years a member of the Findlay church of Christ in Sparta, TN.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. McFerrin was preceded in death by his sister Edna Lois McFerrin, and a brother-in-law, Larry Thomas Dreaden.
James is survived by 2 sons: David Clay (Janice Renee Hitchcock) McFerrin and Nathan James (Sherry Jo Kline) McFerrin; daughter: Miriam Katherine (Michael Lane) Avrit. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Alison Beth McFerrin (Christopher Brent) James, Clayton Thomas (Melissa Kate Bivens) McFerrin, Grant James McFerrin, Olivia Anne McFerrin, Brooke Ashley Holland (Christopher Robert) Woodrow, Tara Brianne Holland (Jordan Matthew) DeKeratry, Christopher Michael (Jennifer Lynn Greene) Avrit, Mary Katherine Avrit, Hosanna Joy Avrit (David Michael) Lawson, Joseph Davis (Glorianna Rachel Sapp) Avrit, Seth Jordan Avrit, Elizabeth Rose Avrit, Jonathan Caleb Avrit, Nathaniel Luke Avrit, Isaiah James Avrit; 5 great grandchildren; sister Mildred Frances McFerrin (Jerry Wilford) Smelser and sister-in-law Linda Katherine Davis Dreaden.
In lieu of flowers if you wish, memorial contributions may be made to the State Line church of Christ, 3325 Huntsville Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334 or the Findlay church of Christ, 505 N. Spring St., Sparta, TN 38583.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of James Clay McFerrin.
He was a good man. I’ve known none better. Anyone blessed enough to know him, his life was better for knowing him. I was so blessed to be able to call him Dad.
David, Nathan and Miriam, so sorry to learn of James passing. He is with Joyce once again. So many precious memories of when all our children were small snd growing into adulthood. You are all in our prayers. Take comfort in knowing they are with our Lord now . Love you all
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad especially so close to the loss of your mother. I enjoyed working with Mrs McFerrin & appreciate the faithfulness of both to the Lord
David, Nathan, and Miriam, I am so so sorry to hear of your father’s passing! He was a wonderful, caring, person that I had the honor of personally talking to in real life and on Facebook! A real blessing, a real saint! I am so sorry for your loss!
We only knew James for 3 months as his neighbor and enjoyed talking while out doing yardwork. He offered great advice about many things. We will miss his smiling face. God bless.
I was so sorry to hear of James’ passing. He was such a fine man, one of the best I have ever known. I had the privilege of going to school with him, working at the Post Office with him, and going to church with him at Stateline and I always admired him. He was always so devoted to whatever he did. I have really enjoyed his daily devotional messages and will miss them. I am praying for your family.
Dan Mills
Rest in peace Mr. Mc, thanks for all your bible lessons you shared with everyone. Prayers for the family.
Doug and I extend our most sincere condolences to all of you in the loss of your dad. James was a wonderful Christian man and loved the Lord with all his heart. He and Joyce were our dearest friends at State Line during our time there in the early 70’s, and we have kept in touch over the years. We were honored to be able to attend Joyce’s funeral service and to see James and all of you. I know your hearts are broken at the loss of both your parents in such a short time. I know it gives you peace and comfort to know how much they loved the Lord, their children, and all their family. God bless you all.
Praying for the McFerrin family as they deal with this loss. David and Janice have always been such a big part of my story. I am thankful to James and his wife for raising David in such a way where all who meet him are shown Christ. Love to you all from New Zealand. We’re praying for you!
Nathan, David, Miriam, and family,
Susan and I both thought the world of your dad and your mom. I was one of the recipients of his daily Bible study for the last several years. I was always moved by his commitment and preparation. We also have wonderful memories from their visits to Atlanta and to the times we were blessed to join you at family weddings. He will be greatly missed! Much love, Don and Susan McLaughlin
Nathan and Sherry, My heart aches and my thoughts & prayers are with you and the rest of your family as you endure the loss of your father Nathan. May your memories as well as God’s love, grace and mercy bring you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I worked with Mrs McFerrin as her 3rd grade aid! I loved her and Mr McFerrin so much! I am so shocked to learn of his death! He is scattering a little mail in heaven and she’s teaching 3rd graders! RIP Mr James and Mrs Joyce!
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet and caring person. Plus a great example of a Christian prayers for the family 🙏🏻
Loved, Mr James, will miss his smiling face. My condolences to you and your family.
David, Nathan, and Miriam, I am extremely sorry for the loss of your father and so close to your mother’s passing. May God give you comfort and peace at this time. I thought the world of your mother and father my whole life. You all have my deepest sympathies.
James was a man of integrity and full of the knowledge that God has given us all an opportunity to learn. His DAILY bible lessons were and will be an encourage to all who read them. Goodbye Dear Soldier, Missed here on Earth but welcomed in Heaven.
To the Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. James but know that he is in a much better place. May God be with you during this time.
David, we are so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. What a wonderful Godly man – what a legacy of faithfulness he leaves! May God comfort you and your family during this time of loss and may you all rest in the security of salvation and eternal life in Jesus!