James David Wilburn

James David Wilburn, 86, a gentleman whose quiet strength, unwavering faith, and servant's heart touched all who knew him, passed away peacefully at his residence in Columbia, Tennessee, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Terry Peery officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors will be provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 in recognition of his faithful service to his country. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born on November 12, 1939, in Lynnville, Tennessee, James was the son of the late Robert Columbus "Buddy" Wilburn and the late Ruby Lavinia McNeese Wilburn.

On September 21, 1965, he married the love of his life, Georgia Dean Gibson Wilburn. Together they shared more than fifty-eight years of marriage, building a life centered on faith and devotion to one another until her passing on January 5, 2024.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army as a scout with the 4th Armored Cavalry stationed in Germany from 1963 to 1965 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military service remained one of the great honors of his life, and he continued to support his fellow veterans as a devoted member of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 for more than sixty years. He was also a member of West Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

A dedicated and dependable worker, James enjoyed a long career in manufacturing and maintenance. He worked for DuPont Chemical Company for eighteen and a half years before continuing his career with General Electric and Fedders Corporation. He later served as Maintenance Manager at Ouimet Corporation, where he retired after years of faithful service.

He is survived by several beloved nieces and nephews, including Wanda and Terry Peery, Rachel Peery, Daniel Peery, Dennis and Melissa Moore, Daisy and Mike Romanek, Denise and Davey Smitherman, Larry and Yvonne Moore, Beth and Scooter Sumners, along with many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; special friend Patricia Hardison.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Georgia Dean Wilburn, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas Carl Wilburn, Martha Wilburn Moore, and Mary Alice Wilburn Tidwell.

Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Sloan, Daniel Peery, Larry Moore, Jeff Hardison, Tony Hardison, and Dennis Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Tatum, Randy Craig, Darren Schmidt, and Ken White.