James "Jimmie" Tanner, Jr.

James “Jimmie” Tanner, Jr., a resident of Saucier, MS was called to his heavenly home on Friday, December 13, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was 72 years old. James was born January 5, 1947 and grew up in Latimer where he attended and graduated from St. Martin High School in 1965. He enlisted in the Army and his military career expanded over 30 years. During his service he became a decorated and distinguished Vietnam Veteran receiving numerous awards and medals. James was an avid fisherman in which he brought home several awards and trophies. His other passion was deer hunting. His oldest son, Scott Tanner, followed in his footsteps by joining the 403rd Maintenance Squadron at Keesler AFB, where he is still a member and his youngest son, Ricky, a Pascagoula Firefighter, shares his Dad’s passion for fishing and hunting. He will be greeted in Heaven by his parents, James Tanner, Sr. and Mary Emma Tanner; and his brother-in-law, Paul Galle. James is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Charlene Santa Cruz Tanner; his sons, Scott (Wendie) Tanner and Ricky (Brittany) Tanner; his grandchildren, Kyhli and Rylynd; his beloved pet, Dixie; his brothers, Alva (Lynn) Tanner and John (Mary) Tanner; his sisters, Judy Galle, Emily (Mitchell) Wescovich and Marilyn (Andrew) Seymour; and numerous other family and friends. He will be deeply missed on his outings with his “Crab Club” family, which included long-time friends from his St. Martin school days. A special thanks to Carol Redmond and to everyone who called, prayed and visited him. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made in his memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled Veterans or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 12:30 pm. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until service time. Interment will follow in the Santa Cruz Cemetery on Highway 15 in Saucier.