James Elbert Pledger

PLEDGER, James Elbert, age 90, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Jim was born January 18, 1933 in Chattooga County, GA; the only child of the late, Carl and Letha (Reece) Pledger. He graduated from Trion Georgia High School. After high school, he worked a short time at the cotton mill in Trion and decided that was not where he wanted to spend his future. It was during the Korean conflict and knowing he would be drafted, enlisted in the Air Force. Four years later, he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. While he was stationed at Scott Field Air Force Base, IL, he met his future wife, JoAnn, on Valentine’s Day. After a very short courtship, he was deployed to Tokyo, Japan for two years. On his return, he and JoAnn were married and moved to Murfreesboro, TN. After his discharge, they moved to Nashville, TN where their sons were born and he was employed at LM Berry Co. (a Yellow Page Co.). He had many fond memories of working for the Berry Co. Over the next ten years they lived in Nashville, TN, New Orleans, LA, Birmingham, AL, and finally, Dayton, OH where they put down roots. Shortly before his retirement of 34 years, he was transferred to Osaka, Japan for two years. After his retirement, James and JoAnn settled down in Centerville, OH.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, JoAnn; children, David Wayne Pledger and Charles Michael (Gina) Pledger; grandchildren, Morgan (Michael) Gomez, Kimberly (Charles) Truesdell, Jessica Pledger, and Jordan Pledger; great grandchildren, Solomon, Lincoln, Mia, and Walker Gomez, and Tuva and Anika Truesdale; brother-in-law, Glenn (Mary) Burbank; sister-in-law, Shirley (John) Warren; special people, Susan Pledger, the Sisson family: Tony, Yasuyo, Chiyo (Ethan) Rando, Ayanna, and Tyga; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Jim was a loving husband and a good example as a father and grandfather. His passion in life was studying and teaching the Bible. James never met a stranger. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kettering where he served as a teacher and deacon along with many other responsibilities. James will be dearly missed by his loving family.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 11:30AM at the First Baptist Church of Kettering, 3939 Swigert Road, Beavercreek, 45440. Family and friends may visit from 10:00AM until the time of service. James will be laid to rest at Miami Valley Memory Gardens where Air Force Honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to Hospice of Dayton in honor of their compassionate care.