Gavin James

Gavin Seth James

Hephzibah, GA –        Gavin Seth James, 16, loving son of the late Saulena Dee Kirkland Vilano, and Wendy and Vernon Elliott James II, instantly entered into eternity after a tragic accident on Farmers Bridge Road Thursday evening, February 10, 2022.  Services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday afternoon, February 16, 2022 with Jesse James and Rev. Wayne Todd officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest beside his mother in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Avera.

Because of the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged during any gathering.

Gavin lived all of his life in the Hephzibah-Blythe area and was a Junior at Burke County High School. Like most teens, he enjoyed gaming, fishing, and sports—especially football and baseball—but he loved riding 4-wheelers, dirt bikes and racing bikes.  Oh! And it was all about “the hair”.  Loving music, he usually had in his ear buds listening to all genres of music. Gavin was somewhat of a jokester: he always wanted people to be happy and if someone was having a bad day, he tried to make their day better and make them smile.  He has been described as being very polite and respectful to all adults; being helpful and a hard worker; being very loving; being a great son, brother and friend; giving the best hugs ever; and having the biggest, brightest smile that would light up everyone’s life.  Gavin loved his family with his whole being and falling in love with the girl of his dreams made his life complete.  Gavin loved greatly and was greatly loved—he was happy and loved life.  Losing his mother in a car accident at the age of three, he often lamented that he could not remember her and his greatest desire was to hear her voice and know her.  Gavin now knows, sees and hears his mom.

Gavin was also preceded in death by his uncles, Kenneth E. James Jr., Kevin James and Fred Prescott; and his aunt, Sherry Krepps.  Others left to cherish his memories include the love of his life, Mariah Garcia; his siblings, Alyssa Ricks (Chris), Emily Austin, Garrett James, Adrien Young, Bailie Young, Chandler Young, Ryker James and Christine James; grandparents, Paulette and Kenneth James, Sherry and Johnny Padgett Jr. and Tressa and Eddie Raley; a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Pallbearers will be Micah Gonnella, Aaron James, Dalton James, Jesse James, Travis James, Jason Padgett, Eddie Raley and Gavin Sweeney.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening, February 15, 2022.

Because of their sudden, unexpected loss, the family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to James Funeral Home, PO Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.