James Ernest Tolbert,

James Ernest Tolbert, age 93, of Oneonta, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior June 10, 2026. There, he was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife of 57 years, Anne Buckner Tolbert, whom he deeply loved and faithfully cherished throughout their marriage.

Born July 4, 1932, James lived a life marked by service, faith, dedication, and love. He was a proud American patriot whose commitment to his country spanned more than four decades. Following his graduation from Blount County High School and attendance at Snead State Junior College, he answered the call to serve when he was drafted into the United States Army.

Throughout his distinguished military career, James proudly served in both the Active U.S. Army and the Alabama National Guard, ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. His dedication to excellence led him to complete extensive military education, including studies at the U.S. Army Chemical School, U.S. Army Intelligence School, Personnel and Management School, Armor School, Sergeant Major Academy, Personnel Records School, Infantry School, and the U.S. Army Medical School. His military service reflected his unwavering love for his country, strong leadership, and commitment to those who served alongside him.

While James was immensely proud of his military accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy were found in his family. He treasured every moment spent with his family and considered them among God’s greatest blessings in his life. His legacy lives on through the values of faith, integrity, hard work, and love that he instilled in those who knew him.

James and Anne also shared an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for serving others through their ownership of The Gathering Place, where they hosted catering events and welcomed countless friends and guests for nine years. Their restaurant became known not only for its hospitality, but also for the warmth and kindness they extended to everyone who entered. Following a heart attack, they made the difficult decision to close the business, but the friendships and memories created there endured.

Faith was the cornerstone of James’s life. A faithful member of Lester Memorial Methodist Church since 1970, he loved his church family and remained steadfast in his Christian faith. He found strength, purpose, and joy through his relationship with Christ and through serving alongside fellow believers. His life was a testimony to the values he held dear—faith in God, love of family, service to others, and devotion to country.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife Anne Buckner Tolbert; his son Rickey Dean Tolbert; his sister Virginia Tolbert Coppock; his brother William A. Tolbert (“Sonny”); and his parents Ernest William Tolbert and Jessaleen Bynum Tolbert.

He is survived by his daughter Shirley Tolbert Cornelius (Randy); grandchildren Anthony Cornelius, Matthew Cornelius, and Miranda Weems (Levi); great-grandchildren Owen Cornelius (Katie), Kaylee Cornelius, Maddie Cornelius, and Sadie Anne Weems; and great-great-grandchildren Caroline Cornelius, Sophie Cornelius, Owen Cornelius II, and Kamar Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Lester Memorial Methodist Church, American Legion Post 72, or Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family received friends Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Lester Memorial Methodist Church from 10:30 a.m. until noon. A funeral service was held at the church beginning at noon with Harvey Beck, Barry Hallman, and Tommy Stewart presiding. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.