Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

James Eastham Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

JAMES DANA EASTHAM James Dana, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2006, at 75. He was a family man, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a coach, friend, Christian, athlete, civic leader-our hero. He will be missed. His limitless generosity, his pragmatic counsel, his dry sense of humor and his absolute love for family and friends will always be cherished. Dana was born in Boston, Mass, raised in Andover, Mass, and received his undergraduate degree at Brown University (Economics), his Masters at Boston University (Public Relations). After marrying native Mariettan Merrilyn Nolen Welch, Dana made this area his home. Dana and Merrilyn raised five children, James Lee Eastham, Merrilyn Welch Eastham Burt, Dana Nolen Eastham, Pearson Hill Eastham and Stephen Saville Eastham. He was a loving grandfather to his twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth, Dana, Jamie, Samantha and Wesley Burt, Stephanie Bearden, Pearson, Jessica Hembree, Patrick, Nora, Liam and Ana; and his four great-grandchildren, Isaac and Aidan, Tristan and Logan. He is also survived by his two brothers, Bill and Jack Eastham, and sister, Nancy Eastham Iacobucci. Dana was a tireless, dedicated civil servant, who committed himself to the development and growth of Marietta. He truly gave his all, unconditionally, and had a profound impact on the entire community. His contributions to the area leave a legacy that will never be forgotten. As Mayor of Marietta for 8 years (1974-1982), and City Councilman for 8 years, Dana immersed himself in the growth of our community. Noted accomplishments include the establishment of MEAG, the establishment of Marietta's first City School bus system, and the re-establishment of the Downtown Marietta Development Authority. Dana completed the Marietta loop underpass, and led the development and building of a new City Hall. He rekindled our dormant Sister City program, personally developing relationships with our international neighbors. He was honored as Outstanding Rotarian and also a recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Award by the Marietta Rotary, recognizing service above self and his dedication of over 40 years of perfect attendance. Over half a century, he served completely: Chairman of the City Council's Education Committee; Steering Committee member of the National League of Cities; Chairman of the Marietta Board of Lights and Water; board member of the Downtown Marietta Development Authority; Vice-Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Georgia Municipal Association; member of the Atlanta Regional Commission; Chairman of the Board of the Cobb County Emergency Aid Association; board member of the Cobb County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Chairman of the Education-Funds Crusade, receiving the Outstanding Service Award; board member of the Visiting Nurse Association; recipient of an Honorary Service Award from the United States Treasury Department; Chairman of the YWCA Advisory Board; member of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; Secretary of the Marietta Citizens' Advisory Committee; charter member and Treasurer of the Kennestone Hospital Guild; member of the Cobb County Board of Health, the Marietta Community Symphony and Cobb County Arts Council; President of the Allgood School PTA; Vice-President of the Western League (Little League), and coach for many, many years. Dana was a reverent man, a member of Marietta's First United Methodist Church for 52 years, a member of the Chancel Choir for most of those, Board Member, President of the Methodist Men's Club, charter member and first President of the Jack Aaron Sunday School class, Chairman of the Commission on Education, and charter member and first co-Chairman of the Kindergarten Board. Dana also was a businessman, working at Lockheed for over 15 years, and owner/President of Eastham Data Processing Company for 25 years. Dana was an extraordinary athlete. At Brown University, he was captain of the wrestling team, and elected to the Brown University Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was further honored by being chosen as one of Brown University's "100 Greatest Athletes of the Century". He became National Champion at the 1956 YMCA National Wrestling Championships. While in the US Army from 1955-1957, he was selected to the prestigious All-Army Wrestling Team, and became First Alternate on the 1956 US Olympic Graeco-Roman Wrestling Team. He was an avid mountain climber, scaling many of the tallest peaks in the Northeastern and Western US, and England. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2006, at 10:30 am, at the First United Methodist Church in Marietta. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 6-8 pm, at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Silver Bay Association, 87 Silver Bay Lane, Silver Bay, NY, 12874; or the First United Methodist Church Music program, 56 Whitlock Ave, Marietta, GA 30064.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Mar. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for James Eastham

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Willis and Earlene Strother

March 27, 2006

We remember Dana fondly as a good friend and a wonderful bridge player! Please accept our sympathy.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in James Eastham's name

Memorial Events
for James Eastham

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home & Crematory - Marietta Chapel

180 Church Street NE P. O. Box 1026, Marietta, GA 30060

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Eastham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more