James Edward Marchant

James Edward Marchant Jr., 57 - a lifelong resident of this area - passed away this morning (February 24) at his home in Cleveland, Tennessee, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on February 1, 1955, and graduated from Calhoun (Tennessee) High School. After receiving his formal education, he worked for several companies in Bradley County and, most recently, for more than 12 years with Life Care Centers of America. Mr. Marchant was known for his affable personality and his ability to make friends easily. He enjoyed the great outdoors, especially trips to the river and Sunday drives, and was an avid reader. He was a good father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Marchant Sr. of Cleveland, and a granddaughter, Destiny Marchant. Survivors include his mother, Kathleen Marchant Preston and her husband Forrest Preston; his sister, Gaye Harris and her husband Eddie Harris; three daughters: Sherry Davenport Dean, Christy Marchant, and Amy Marchant; and five grandchildren: Matthew, Kaitlyn and Jessica Gurley, and Amelia and James Mize, all of Cleveland; and partner and caregiver Felicia Brown, and her daughter, Magan Brown. Mr. Marchant was a member of Calhoun First Baptist Church, where the funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m., with Pastor Josh Taylor of New Beginnings Church and Pastor Allan Lockerman of Cleveland First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in the Calhoun cemetery with Charley Gilliland, Micah Harris, Kyle Harris, Bret Marchant, Hal Buckholts and Jeff Buckholts serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends 5:00 - 8:00 on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Fike Funeral Home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Marchant family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.