James R. Goan, 72, of Bulls Gap, passed away on February 3, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years and love of his life, Judy Harmon Goan; along with his children: Crystal Goan Jessee, of Greeneville, and Eric (Dr. Kari) Goan, of Bulls Gap, and grandchildren: Kaitlyn Grace, Caleb Eric, and Reagan Michelle.

James was a third-generation farmer and operator of Shadowland Farm, and loved teaching his children and grandchildren about agriculture and the Lord. He was also former owner of Bulls Gap Realty and Auction, where he worked many years along side his parents. He was a devout member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and song leader. James spent many healthy years coaching his children in various community sports, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in recent years. In his youth, you could find him at Volunteer Speedway, being the flagman for the races, in the sport he loved.

James grew up as a member of the 4H, and encouraged his children and grandchildren to enjoy the organization and give back to the community. James led a servants life, always trying to help out others.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Louise Goan; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Lucy and Charles Harmon.

James is survived by his siblings: Charles (Pat) Goan; Tommy (Doris) Goan; and Rose (Allen) Cureton. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law: Ralph William “Bill” (Mary) Harmon, and Ronnie (Cathy) Harmon. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law: James Robert “Bob” Harmon. James had several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, in the Carpenter, Harmon, Goan, Pearson and Carroll families. James was especially close to his aunts by marriage, Jean Gibson and Elwanda Carpenter, and their extended families, as well as special friends: Chrystal Carroll Brown, Bonnie Kite, Dolly Parton, Ethel Kite, Cindy Morelock, Cody Morelock, Susan Hartman, Whittney Good, and Brenda Frazier.

The family will be receiving family and friends at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home in Greeneville, on Monday, February 6th, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.

The family will hold the funeral and graveside service at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Bulls Gap on Tuesday, February 7th, at 2:00 p.m. The procession for the family and close friends will begin at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Greg Fletcher will officiate the service with a special prayer by Pastor Charles Heck.

The pallbearers are Robbie Foshie-Bragdon, Enis Carmack, Scott Goan, David Goan, Christopher Harmon, Scott Stewart, Jerrell Moore, and David Dishner.

Honorary pallbearers are Brian Bragdon, Hoss Brown, Rickie Carroll, Chris Cain, Perry Crittenden, Freddy Evans, Jeff Everhart, Frank Freeman, Braydon Gregg, Larry Greene, Bill Harmon, Ronnie Harmon, Billy Hooker, Henry Johns, Larry Jones, Wesley Manis, Aaron McPeek, Bill Miller, Charles Morelock, John Moore, Paul Newton, Josh Odom, Bronson Shipley, Gerald Smith, George Steadman, Sam Ward, along with his personal driver and friend, Big Daddy Pat.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, in his honor.

Arrangements by Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home in Greeneville.