James Thomas Sanders

James Thomas Sanders 1949-2023 On July 21, 2023, James Thomas Sanders passed away at home under the care of his family. Tom Sanders, born September 13, 1949, was preceded in death by his parents John and Gwendolyn Sanders; brother, Michael Sanders; grandmother, Elizabeth “Maggie” Brady; and mother-in-law, Diannia Grubb. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Tanna Sanders; children, James “Patrick” Sanders and Ashley Skidmore (Husband Andrew “Logan”); grandchildren. James Julian Scott and Randi Lynn Sanders and their mother, Julianne Sanders; siblings, Rebecca Autrey, John Sanders (wife Carol), Paul Sanders (wife Debbie), and Elizabeth Holland (husband Mike); and many fine animals, including his grandcats, Sophie, Page, and Rosemary Skidmore. Tom served his country during the Vietnam War from 1970 – 1972 in the Army’s 2nd Armored Division, earning the rank of Army Specialist Four. Upon his return, Tom resumed work as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Catlettsburg, KY, until his retirement in 2012 after 42 years of service. He loved getting to know the people on his mail route and helping elderly residents with daily tasks. He was known to carry Milkbones in his pockets to placate the neighborhood dogs, a practice he continued on daily walks in his later years. After retiring from the Postal Service, he spent 8 years delivering parcels for FedEx and enjoyed telling his family about the interesting people and places he encountered each day. The son of a carpenter, Tom found satisfaction making things, like the two-story clubhouse he built for his children. However, he is probably best known as a prankster and master of corny jokes, and those who knew him grew suspicious of a punchline every time he told even a serious story. Like all who depart this world for the next, we will not know another like Tom Sanders, and his loss will be felt by those who love him until they, too, make their final journey. The family will not be holding a service but asks that you remember Tom by treating a dog to a Milkbone and donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Community Hospice. Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington, WV is entrusted with the arrangements of the Sanders family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ferrell-chambersfuneralhome.com.

James Thomas Sanders

September 13, 1949 - July 21, 2023