James Garner Gold

James “Jim” Garner Gold, 81, of Cleveland, passed away from a brief illness, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim was a member of East Side Church of Christ. He spent 52 years in the funeral profession, spending the last years with Higgins Funeral Home of Benton. He knew he had a call to help people throughout their season of grief. Jim was an avid animal lover who had many special dogs over the years and enjoyed working outside and the many happy hours he spent mowing the yards.

He was born on June 27, 1943, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late Bryan and Lena Randolph Gold.

In addition to his parents, Bryan and Lena Randolph Gold, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Selma and Sherrill Ownby.

Left to cherish the many memories include his beloved wife of 60 years, Joan Shahan Gold; son and daughter-in-law, Garner and Tammy Gold; grandchildren, Wyatt Langford and Cody Langford; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lee and Charlotte Shahan, Jean and Tommy McDowell. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Minister Bill Maynard and Minister Jeff Archey officiating. A private interment will follow at Union Grove Church of Christ Cemetery with Kim Randolph, Sheridan Randolph, Jeremy Randolph, Wyatt Langford, Cody Langford, Jeff Ownby, Jackie Cardin and Bill Flowers serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are David Montgomery, Jim Maynard, Rusty Branan, George Poe and Tom Collins. 

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or Cleveland Animal Shelter.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.