Mr. James Lewis Jarrard, age 96 of Blairsville, passed away August 4, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family and loving wife of 46 years. Mr. Jarrard was born June 29, 1921 in Cleveland, Georgia to the late Charles Augustus Jarrard and the late Rachel Naomi Allison Jarrard. James was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Union County where he was known as the “Candy Man” because he would always bring candy to give away to children as well as adults to show his love for them. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. One of his favorite activties was playing billiards. When living in Marietta, James loved to shoot pool with the boys, and he was very good at it. So good, in fact, that he acquired the nickname of “Marietta Fats”. James was preceded in death by his sons, James Stewart Jarrard and Roger Van Jarrard; and brothers, Bill, Harold and Fred Jarrard.

Survivors include: wife, Janice Sparks Jarrard of Blairsville; daughter, Jenny Lou (Robert) Tharpe of Jonesboro, GA; step-son, Carlton (Cindi) Sparks of Blairsville; grandsons: Jeffery (Courtney) Jarrard of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Roger (Kayla) Jarrard of Canton, GA; Derek (Elizabeth) Mitchell of McDonough, GA; Corey (Jennifer) Mitchell of Sharpsburg, GA and Carlton Andrew Sparks II of Acworth, GA and his fiance, Meredith James; granddaughter, Carli (Derek) Sanders of White Fish Bay, WI; great grandchildren: Bally, Emily and Brooke Jarrard, Carder Sanders, and Raygan Russell; sister-in-law, Lois Jarrard of Smyrna, GA; sister-in-law, Neva Jahnz of Cumming, GA; and brother-in-law, Lester Lawson of Tucker, GA. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Union County with Rev. Mark Burgess and Rev. Stan Wallace officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in James’ memory to your favorite charity, or to the MAC (First United Methodist Church of Union County Methodist Activities Center).

The family would like to express their gratitude to Homestead Hospice for their comforting care during James’ illness.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, Georgia. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.