James Lawton "Bunkum" Lockmiller

1945 - 2022

James Lawton "Bunkum" Lockmiller, 77, of Athens passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022. Born March 12, 1945, in Meigs County, James was the son of the late John Ervin Lockmiller and the late Reba Juanita King Lockmiller. He was a graduate of Meigs County High School. Upon high school graduation, James entered the United States Army, where he served in the Vietnam Conflict. As a sergeant in the 101st Airborne, James earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with the addition of two campaign stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Army Commendation, and the Bronze Star. Additionally, he was awarded the Expert Rifle Badge, the Parachute Badge, and was recommended for the Silver Star by his superior officer. After returning to civilian life, James was employed at Bowater in Calhoun, where he proudly worked for over 35 years until his retirement. James was a member of Central Baptist Church in Athens. He loved volunteering each year in Calhoun at the McMinn/Meigs Baptist Association's Camp Cherokee helping the kids do woodworking projects. He also volunteered at the Total Life Encounters Youth Conference each year as a "Roadie." As a charter member and officer, he helped start the former Riceville Youth Football Program. Besides spending time with his family, his passion was playing golf. He was a member of the local Maxie Davis Tour, where he golfed weekly with his friends. James is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Wanda Sue Dills Lockmiller; sons, Mark D. Lockmiller and Radley K. Lockmiller (Mary); daughter, Jamia L. Lockmiller (Jennifer); sisters, Patricia Ann Miller, Nancy Jo Stokes, and Victoria Lee Flynn (Ron); granddaughter, Victoria Grace Shaw (Taylor); grandsons, James Roman Lockmiller, Radley Kirk Lockmiller Jr., Joshua Kyle Lockmiller, and Matthew Cade Lockmiller; great-grandson, Aaron Titus Shaw; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers, Kenneth A. Lockmiller and infant John Leonard Lockmiller; infant sister, Phyllis Hope Lockmiller; father-in-law, Millard Floyd Dills; mother-in-law, Sarah G. Dills; and several close brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Receiving of friends was Wednesday, June 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Athens with the service following. Graveside service were at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 30, at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meigs County. Per James' request, pallbearers were his nephews who were represented by Tony Stokes, Sam Lockmiller, Aaron Lockmiller, Brent Goforth, Tracy Bohannon, Johnny Holloway and Tony Wood. Good Samaritan Funeral Home of Athens was in charge of all arrangements.