James Emmett Stafford

February 17, 1936 - October 14, 2016

Retired Sgt. James Stafford

Retired Sgt. James Emmett Stafford, age 80, resident of Columbia, passed away Friday at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services for Sgt. Stafford will be conducted 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Rick Points officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery in West Point, TN with military honors provided by the Tennessee National Guard. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.  Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born February 17, 1936 in Lawrenceburg, he was the son of the late James Edward and Lillian McCory Stafford. He worked as the Veterans representative for the State of Tennessee and served in the US Army during Vietnam. He was a lifelong member of the VFW and served as commander from 2000 to 2012 and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge. He played football for Lawrence County High School and shot trap and skeet.

Sgt. Stafford is survived by his son: James Patrick Stafford of Columbia; grandson: James Brody Stafford of Columbia.

Pallbearers will be Doug Johnson, Ron Anderson, Adam Brewer, Roger Dale, Al Castaway, Randy “Pop” Fitzgerald and Ronnie McCory. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Cook, Randy Hoffer, Bob Schlenmer, Dick Windoff, members of Post 4946, men of C Troop 3/5 Calvary and friends at Frazier’s Place.