James K. Rotenberry

In the early morning of January 30, James Kenneth Rotenberry peacefully passed away just as he would have wanted, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 2 at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 Noon conducted by Reverend Nick Sandusky. He will be laid to rest at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville.

James was born in Crowder, Mississippi on September 25, 1936 to Kenneth Columbus and Pearl Guest Rotenberry. He was predeceased by eight siblings, Jessie Arthur Rotenberry, Derral Quay Childers, Martha Gordon, Bernice Pearson, Eva Calvert, Jeanie Ervin, Cynthia Burks, and Sherrie Collins. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and two sons, Kenneth (Denise) of Madison, and Mark (Amber) of Senatobia. Two children preceded him in death, Deborah Lynn, who died at age four, and Kerry Wade, who passed away at four days old. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Taylor (Wes) Bryan and Avery Rotenberry of Madison, and McKennon Rotenberry of Hernando.

A graduate of Crowder High School, James served in the US Army in Germany, returning to Mississippi to marry Peggy Bell Rotenberry in 1958. Retiring after 30 years of service at Memphis Light Gas & Water, James became a master woodworker, creating beautiful lamps and furniture. An avid hunter and freshwater fisherman, he also enjoyed watching sports on television, but he often said his therapy was working in his garden. A jokester who gave many the gift of laughter, he was a friend to everyone, but his first priority was always his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

An online guestbook is available at [email protected].