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James Dean Obituary
James Franklin Dean (Jim), age 84, of Sparta, TN, passed away at his home on Monday, January 26, 2026. Jim was born in Athens, Ohio on December 9, 1941, to the late Franklin and Erma Dean.
After graduating from high school Jim joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea. In 1965, he graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor's in journalism. Jim worked and traveled to New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
In 2002 Jim met and married Linda Gillem and moved to Smithville, TN. Jim was self-employed and worked as a remodeling and building Contractor.
Mr. Dean is survived by his twin sister, Judith Dean Laughlin, niece Heather Laughlin, and great nephews Jaden and Jorden Laughlin of Athens, Ohio. Mr. Dean is also survived by his first wife, and mother of his three children, Grace Dean. Children: Maria Dean Rudolph, of Mexico, John F. Dean (Kendra) of Ohio, and Laura (Simon) Endacott, of Stanwood, Michigan, grandchildren Aaliyah and James Endacott of Stanwood, Michigan.
Services will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home in Sparta, TN.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Dekalb County Animal Shelter in James' memory. The shelter address is 186 Transfer Station Road, Smithville, TN 37166. Online condolences may be made to the family at oaklawnmemorial.com
James Dean
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Oak Lawn Funeral Home-Cremation Center and Memorial Cemetery1786 Smithville Hwy, Sparta, TN 38583
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