James Cardin Jr., 76, was born on Sept. 9, 1935, in Cleveland.

He went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early hours on Monday, Oct. 31, 2011.

He was a member of Southview Baptist Church, where he received Christ into his heart. James “Pop” was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and last but never least, a great friend.

All his life he worked around 18-wheelers and wood; this legacy he passed onto his sons. He had the look in his eyes of a man who has had hardships, but he rose to the challenge and he won.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, James “Jim” and Rebecca Cardin; his brothers: Billy Cardin, Edwin Cardin, Lester Cardin; and sister, Mary Cardin.

Survivors include his three sisters: Elizabeth Stevenson, Marie Ledford, and Patricia Miksa, all of Cleveland; his ex-wife, Mary Ruth Branam; his five sons: Jimmy and Debbie Carden of Cleveland, Jerry and Denise Cardin of Benton, Jackie and Melissa Carden of Cleveland, Jeffery and Jackie Carden of Cleveland, and James and Rhonda Carden of Georgetown; his three stepchildren: Franklin and Ginger Carden, William Branam, and Karen Carden, all of Cleveland; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Pop was a kind, loving man who dearly loved to tease and laugh. Although he is gone from this earth, he will be held in our hearts forever.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, at Southview Baptist Church.

Interment will follow in Michigan Avenue Cemetery.

A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 this evening at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be made to the Southview Baptist Church building fund, P.O. Box 3836, Cleveland, TN 37320-3836.

You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Cardin guest book at www.ralphbuckner.com.