James B. "Joe" Gaston, 61, of Etowah, TN passed away Monday April 3, 2017 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas having been diagnosed with Stage IV Liver cancer on March 17.

A native of McMinn County having been born in Athens, TN. He was a long time member of Coghill Baptist where he served as a Deacon.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and frequent trips to Yellowstone Park. His most enjoyable times were those spent in the outdoors with friends and family enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

Joe continued the tradition of both his Mother, Mary Ruth Nichols Gaston and his Father, James T. Gaston Jr. by serving the citizens of McMinn in many different capacities over a career of 44 years.

He began his career at the age of 16 by serving as a summer intern with the McMinn Highway Department assigned to the Engineering Crew. While in that capacity he laid out the design of the recreational facilities at Cook Memorial park as well as marking the location of the first cell at the McMinn County Landfill.

After graduating Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee he began his career with the McMinn County Board of Education as a homebound instructor, travelling to student homes to educate children who were not able to attend regular classes. He continued his education, earning a Masters of Education from Tusculum University while remaining an employee of the Board until his death. During his career in Education, Joe held positions of Classroom Teacher, Principal at McMinn Central, Federal Projects Coordinator and Assistant Director of Schools.

Always interested in Politics and History, Joe ran for and was elected Commissioner from the 4th District in 1981 at the age of 26. He served on the first McMinn County Commission after the Council Manager form of government was dissolved. He had the honor of being selected by his peers to serve as Chairman of the County Commission. At that time Joe was the youngest Commission Chairman in the State of Tennessee. During his tenure on the Commission the county maintained a strong financial foundation with one of the lowest tax rates in the state. McMinn County continued to move forward with needed capital projects such as the construction of the current Justice Center and improvements to School facilities and county roads. While serving as Chairman he worked with then Congressman John Duncan to facilitate the visit to Athens by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 bringing both national and worldwide attention to McMinn County.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents' previously mentioned, and devoted canine companions Sam and Lucy.

Survivors include his childhood sweetheart the love of his life, and wife of 30 years Kitti, family companions Harli and Chester; two brothers and sister-in-laws; Charles and Brenda Gaston, and Larry and Jacqueline Gaston; two sisters and brother-in-laws; Susie and Dan Lee, and Pat and Dana Workman; His Mother in Law, JoAnn Elliott; and wife's Uncle, Glenn Trusley, all of McMinn County; his Sister-in-law Liddi and Jeff Berry of Celebration FL; special niece, Talor Troyer of Macon MS; in addition to several nephews and nieces as well as great-nieces and nephews. Joe developed many lasting relationships with students and peers, including his friend, hunting companion, and surrogate son Russ Barnett of Englewood and close friend and colleague the Rev. Vant Hardaway of Athens.

Visitation will be held between 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Saturday April 8, 2017 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home in Etowah TN. Funeral services will be held at Bordwine Funeral Home on Sunday April 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Vant Hardaway and Rev. Joe Hatcher officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the JAMES B JOE GASTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND set up at Athens Federal Community Bank for Students of McMinn Central High School who wish to pursue an education in History or Political Science.