James Willard Sanders

Mr. James Willard Sanders, age 80 of Murphy, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015.
Mr. Sanders was born June 1, 1935, in Castalia, NC, to the late James Boyd Sanders and the late Beulah Maye Sanders.
A devoted member of Eureka Baptist Church, he was preceded in Heaven by his wife Linda Dimmery Sanders.
Mr. Sanders worked most of his career in telecommunications as a sales representative after serving most honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the "Cold War Era". During most of his adult life he lived and worked in the Fayetteville, NC area prior to relocating to Murphy, NC with his family.
The family that he leaves behind are his daughter and son-in-law, Donna Sanders Muraski and Peter; his son, James Steven Sanders and beloved granddaughter, Victoria Grace Sanders-Muraski; his sister, Rebecca Williams of Granite City, IL.
His life and memory will be honored during services Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. Music will be provided by Paula Redditt. Military honors provided by Murphy VFW post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion post 96 and DAV chapter 73 with Clay County VFW post 6812.
Known by his family and friends as "Jim" and by his beloved granddaughter as "Pa", he is loved and admired unmeasurably and endlessly. He lived his life here as a man of great strength through his faith in Christ. By Christian example, he endeavored to exemplify the greatest qualities of love, compassion, kindness, generosity, forgiveness and understanding. He will be greatly missed until we're together again. We love you Dad.
In lieu of flowers we respectfully request that donations to our father's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org or 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105), be made in his honor.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.