Dr. James Luther Pointer

Dr. James Luther Pointer passed away on September 27, 2022. He was married for 68 years to his beloved wife Cordelia, until her death in 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings, and a grandson. He is survived by his children James and Jane, and three grandchildren. James was a veteran of WWII, having served in the 42nd Rainbow Division in Europe. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and several other military honors. He received his PhD in Agriculture from The University of Tennessee (UTK), MS from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and BS from UTK. He spent most of his career at the UTK Institute of Agriculture, beginning as a Knox County Agent, and ultimately as full Professor of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design. He was awarded a Fulbright Hays grant for research in India, where he consulted with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He was the author of over 100 publications and articles for professional journals, newspapers, and magazines. He was a member of Valley Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, and Shriners. He served on the Advisory Committee to merge the Knoxville city and Knox County libraries, served five years as Secretary of Friends of the Libraries, and served on the Charter Committee that created the Nativity Pageant. He set up 36 Knox County Community Clubs and helped form the Knoxville Area Community Center for the Deaf. He became a member of First Baptist Church of Knoxville in 1951, where he served in many different capacities over the years, including teaching Sunday School to deaf children for 22 years, and serving as a Deacon for 21 years. He participated in UTK Department of History Veteran's Oral History Project, which gives a fascinating account of his life story: http://csws.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2003-Pointer-James-Transcript.pdf Family and friends will meet at 10:45am on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 4300 Sutherland Ave., in the Garden of Gethsemene section for a military interment at 11am. Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel is in charge of arrangements. www.mynattfh.com.