James Hart Valentine Sr

James Hart Valentine Sr., age 90, of Cosby passed onto his Heavenly Home on June 9, 2014 at his home after a long illness. He joined the Navy at an early age and served in World War II. During World War II he served on the vessels Sommers DD, DD381, USS Oberrender, USS Kenneth Whiting and served at stations Escort Repair Base Trinidad, and the Separation Center Memphis. He was also present during on of the first Bikini Bomb Tests performed in 1945-1946 an in another instance the ship he was on was badly damaged in battle and could not move and James was the only able to get and engine to operate in order to get the ship close enough to a port were they were towed in by another ship so they would not lose the ship to the enemy. James received several medals during his service such as the American Area Campaign medal, American Defense medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal, Phillippine Liberation medal, Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal. He alongside his wife Nina, developed and operated the timeshare resort known as Laurel Springs Resort. He was a lifelong member of Liberty Church and the Tennessee Walking Horse Association, an active member of the Cosby community, in which he was able to get the elementary school known as Smoky Mountain Elementary for the children in his community. James and his wife Nina made a big splash in the 1990's in the horse show world when he bought Nina her beloved colt by the name of Mountain Copperhead, which after 68 days of training won his first show and later retired a grand champion. His favorite things to do were to work on the farm with his bobcat and tractor, watch his horses run in the field and spend time with his beloved miniature Schnauzer Kissie. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years Nina B. Proffitt Valentine, his parents James Allie Valentine and Eliza P. Morley Valentine, stepmother Bonnie Morley Valentine, sister Betty L. Valentine McMahan, brother Harold E. Valentine and grandson James H. "Chip" Valentine III. He is survived by his children, son, James H. Valentine, Jr. and wife Connie of Cosby; daughters Victoria Holt and husband Fred of Cosby; Nena Proffitt Valentine of Maryville; grandchildren Mark Holt and wife Alexandria of Rancho Mirage, CA; Melanie Nolan and husband Robbie of Cosby, Alex Janeway and girlfriend Lynn Taylar of Maryville; also nine great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; sister Bonnie Valentine Patterson of Mountain City and step-brother Ronald Valentine and wife Joyce of Gatlinburg; his very special friends and caregivers Alan, Aleshia, and Jessica McClain, Darlene and Joe Evans, all of Cosby; special nephew Donnie McMahan and wife Lynn, great-nephews Donnie, Jr. and Zach, all of Cleveland, OH; special friends of many years Marie Naillon, Brenda Shultz, and Tammy Weaver all of Cosby; and a special "Thank You" to all the nurses and staff of Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice for all they did for him during his illness. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, June 12, 2014 in Manes Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Rush and Rev. Cleo Williamson officiating. Interment will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Thursday at Manes Funeral Home prior to the funeral service. Family and friends may sign the guest register on line at: www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home in charge.

James Hart Valentine Sr

September 30, 1923 - June 9, 2014