James "Jim" Thomas Tanner, III

James "Jim" Thomas Tanner III passed away on September 22, 2025. Jim was born July 7, 1958 in Mitchell County North Carolina to James Thomas Tanner Jr. and Betty Jo Tanner (nee Briggs). He graduated from Spruce Pine High School in 1977 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and eventually earned a PhD in chemistry from the University of South Carolina. He spent his career as a research chemist at Eastman Chemical Company and Ethox Chemical Company. He loved his work and was named on many patents over the course of his career. Jim loved animals. In addition to several beloved pets, he often cared for stray animals.Fishing was one of his great passions. The time he spent with friends and family on Boone Lake or at Hilton Head on the Tallboy were some of his best memories.Jim loved reading and was deeply curious. He could be quiet and reserved, but the moments where he opened up and showed his sense of humor and enjoyment of good food and good company were true gifts. He will be truly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas Tanner Jr. and Betty Jo Tanner.

He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Tanner-Flomberg (Owen); former wife, Candace Tanner; sister, Suzan McCoury (Dickie); niece, Myra McCoury; along with many friends and extended family.A memorial service will be held at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport on October 2, 2025 at 6:00PM. Those wishing to attend asked to arrive by 5:50PM.

To express condolences to the family please visit our website at www.cartertrent.com.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Tanner family.