James Whitten Maness was born November 26, 1924 in Union City, Tennessee the son of the late Leonard Nathan and Ocal Edith Whitten Maness.

He was united in marriage to Vivian McMahan on October 9, 1943.

Mr. Maness was a cattleman and was a retired lineman and foreman for Pickwick Electric Cooperative. He was also a member of the Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, and was a member of the American Legion, having served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

Mr. Maness departed this life on May 8, 2006 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 81 Years, 5 Months, 12 Days. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vivian McMahan Maness of Selmer, Tennessee; a daughter, Janet Thomas and husband Joe of Selmer, Tennessee; two sons: Roger Maness and wife Sophie of Jacksonville, Florida and Randall Maness and wife Darla of Alexander, Arkansas; three brothers: Glenn Maness of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, Leon Maness and wife Eyvonne of Selmer, Tennessee and Joe Dan Maness and wife Barbara Gail of Adamsville, Tennessee; 5 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Maness was also preceded in death by two brothers, Quinn and Raymond Maness, and a grandson, Steven Randall Maness.