James Larry Likens, 53

James Larry Likens, age 53, of the Spring Creek Community in Macon County, Tenn., passed away May 17, 2009, at Saint Thomas Hospital. Funeral services were conducted Wed., May 20, 2009 from the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Harold King and Reverend Hank Johnson officiating. Thomas Blankenship and Henry Lee served as honorary pallbearers. Josh Blankenship, Billy Blankenship, Wayne Blankenship, Timmy Whitley, Thomas Smith, and Tony Whittemore served as active pallbearers. Interment followed in the Cold Springs Cemetery in Macon County, Tenn.

James Larry Likens was born on Dec. 1, 1955 in Macon County, Tenn., to the late Donald Ramsey and Dorothy Marie Whittemore Likens. He married the former Thelma Sue Smith Likens on Jan. 11, 1988, sharing twenty-one years together; Thelma survives. Besides his parents; one daughter, Vexie Diane Likens and one grandson, Brandon Lee Phillips, also preceded him in death. James was employed by the Dollar General Warehouse in Scottsville, KY, working in the shipping department for the last five years. He enjoyed collecting die cast cars and guns; he was a member of the National Rifle Association. James liked to hunt and go fishing in his spare time. He was a family man who enjoyed having fun and being with his wife and children. James was a member of the Union Hill General Baptist Church. Besides his wife, Thelma, he is also survived by; sons and daughter-in-law, Larry Lee (Cindy) Likens of Westmoreland, Tenn., James Erick Likens of the Hayesville Community in Macon County, Tenn., Bobby Joe Likens of Louisiana, Samuel Donald Likens of the Spring Creek Community in Macon County, Tenn., step-daughter, Wendy Sue Fille of Michigan, and seven grandchildren.