Obituary of James Franklin Gann

James “Jim” Franklin Gann, Sr born in Soddy Daisy TN on May 10, 1937, long time resident of both Chattanooga, TN and Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his Hixson home on Weds, February 18, 2015. Jim was the former owner and CEO of MPH Crane, Inc. and Business Agent of the Millwright Local Union 1311 both in Dayton, Ohio. Jim was not only an entrepreneur; he was well known to be a charitable man who gave to his community, and many in need. Jim went to school at Chattanooga High and UTC where he was an all American Athlete in wrestling, football and baseball. He was a proud member of the Burks United Methodist Church. As a Veteran of the US Navy, Jim was at sea rescue, played football and wrestled. Jim was a member of the Shriners, Free Masons, Valleybrook and Eaton Golf and Country Clubs, and was also an avid outdoorsman. He was preceded in death by both his parents, Thelma Marie (May) Gann and Baxter Ralph Gann, Sr, brothers B. Ralph Gann, Jr, and Donald Lee Gann. He is survived by his loving family: wife, Gail Ann (Rau)Gann, son, James Franklin Gann, Jr, daughters Gina Y. (Shannon) Cooper and Christine Marie Gann, grandsons James Franklin Gann, III, William Hutchins, and Hunter Hutchins, granddaughter Megan Kerstine Gann, brother Charles (Jean) Gann, along with many other family members. There will be a private graveside service at Dividing Ridge Cemetery with Rev. Vernon Sneed officiating. All are welcome and invited to attend the celebration ceremonies of this beloved man at the Hilton Garden Inn in Miamisburg, Ohio on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 4PM until 7PM. The family encourages everyone to please log onto legacyfuneralhome.com for the location, date and time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Chattanooga, PO Box 46, Chattanooga, TN 37401 or www.hospiceofchattanooga.org, whose staff and resources have been a blessing to Jim and his family Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Please share your memories, stories and photos at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.