James Everett Sanders

James Everett "Jim" Sanders, of Christiana, Tennessee, and formerly of Nashville, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born on September 11, 1928, in Nashville to John and Margaret Sanders, Jim grew up surrounded by the warmth of extended family, including aunts Pansy Cochran and Ruby Travis, uncle James Amon "Pat" Cochran, and cousin William "Billy" Cochran. He attended Peabody College on a scholarship before enlisting in the United States Navy at nineteen. As a Disbursing Clerk Third Class during the Korean War, he served aboard the USS Curtiss, spending much of his four years at sea in Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Sea of Japan, Korea, the Marshall Islands, and the Enewetak Atoll as part of Operation Greenhouse. A proud member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans, Jim carried his service with him always and remained a lifelong advocate for veterans through his support of Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Tunnel to Towers. He later devoted twenty-seven years to public service with the State of Tennessee. He and his beloved wife of fifty years, Rocena Arnold Sanders, realized a longtime dream by retiring to Weeki Wachee, Florida, where they lived for eleven years before returning to Tennessee in 2011.

Jim was an enthusiastic sportsman who played adult recreational softball for many years at Nashville’s Coleman Park, forming lifelong friendships with Grady and Betty Jones, Sam Finney, and many others. A devoted University of Tennessee fan, he cherished fall and spring Saturdays cheering for the Volunteers in football and baseball. He also enjoyed historical tours and presidential trivia. Above all, his deepest affection was reserved for animals; the companionship of dogs and cats brought him joy throughout his life, and he remained a steadfast supporter of the Humane Society and ASPCA.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Sanders; his wife, Rocena Arnold Sanders; his son, James Ronald “Ronnie” Sanders; his cousin, Billy Cochran; and his close friend, Jerry Hand. Jim is survived by his children, Lori Sanders Green (Alan) and Mark Steven Sanders; his grandchildren, Dr. Cain Green, Meg Green, and Cara Sanders; and his daughter-in-law, Cheri Sanders. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of the Murfreesboro campus of the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home over the past three years.