James Ireland Moreland

James Ireland Moreland, a native and life-long resident of Hiawassee, passed away on Saturday June 29, 2024 at the blessed age of 94 surrounded by family at his home in Lower Hightower.

 James (known by many as “Arlin”) was born on October 28, 1929, the second of nine children to Dean and Dora Bell (Dayton) Moreland. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army and served through the Korean War. Upon returning home, he attended Young Harris College and University of Georgia, eventually earning his master’s degree from Western Carolina University. 

He spent his career as an educator in Union and Towns County, both as a teacher and administrator, retiring as elementary school principal. He was a life-long member of Lower Hightower Baptist Church, where he served for years as adult Sunday school teacher and song leader. He enjoyed singing hymns at local nursing/senior homes with the group Cheerful Sounds. He was a man of many skills: operating tractors, vehicle repair, home building, electrical, plumbing, welding, ham radio, computers, and writing; patience was not one of them as those who knew him can attest.

 James was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; wife Edith (Marshall) Moreland; siblings Dora Marshall, Carvin Moreland, and J.C. Moreland. He is survived by his children Jimmie (Randy) Gose and Joe (Michelle) Moreland; grandchildren Kelli Gose, Tyler (Becky) Gose, Morgan (Gabe) Hamblin, and Conner Gose; great grandchildren Asher Gose and Leo Hamblin; siblings Ernest Moreland, Virginia (Sam) Kern, Dena Harkins, June Legge, and Janet (Doyle) Hogsed.

 Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 2nd from 5:00-8:00pm at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 3rd at 2:00pm at Lower Hightower Baptist Church with interment following in cemetery. Rev. Danny Burch officiated with special prayers by Rev. Steve Merck, and a performance of James’ favorite song “Time has Made a Change” by his daughter Jimmie, granddaughters Kelli and Morgan, and Jerry and Scott Hamilton along with select recordings of James singing. Pallbearers were Doyle Hogsed, Jeff Myers, Tyler Gose, Conner Gose, Gabe Hamblin, and James Muilenburg.