James W. Packer, age 90, of Rockmart, GA, passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 26, 2026, at his residence surrounded by family.

He was born in Lindale, Ga on May 14, 1936, son of the late William Packer and his late wife Pauline Miller Packer. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Benefield and Hazel Barker.

James lived the greater part of his life in Polk County. He was a 1955 graduate of Cedartown High School, where he played football. Later, he was a high school football official for many years. He worked in the aircraft industry and with the Georgia Air National Guard and the US Air Force Reserves, with whom he traveled the world and retired from after 33 years. He also retired from AirTran Airlines. After retirement, he remodeled many homes in the Rockmart area. James also was an avid Georgia football and NASCAR fan, enjoyed gardening, and loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays.

Survivors include his wife, Janann Hardy Packer, whom he married on July 3, 1956; sisters, Frances Pope of Tallapoosa, Imogene Wood of Cedartown and Sandra Youngblood; daughters, Connie Bramlett of Rockmart, Becky Kinney (Bob) of Rockmart, and Ginny Higgins (Randy) of Taylorsville; grandsons, Heath Higgins, Wade Peterson, Tommy Kinney, Will Bramlett, and David Kinney; and granddaughters, Heather Higgins and Jill Peterson. Fourteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren also survive.

The family will receive friends at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. The funeral service will be held in the Chapel of the funeral home immediately following at 3:00 PM. Rev. Jason Odom will officiate and grandson, Tommy Kinney, will give the eulogy. Interment will follow at Northview Cemetery with military rites conferred by Brown Wight Post #12 American Legion Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will include Logan Burge, Heath Higgins, Lanear McCrary, David Kinney, Alek Higgins, Will Bramlett, and Avery Higgins. Wade Peterson, Randy Higgins, Tommy Kinney and Bob Kinney will be honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the hospice workers for all of their wonderful medical care and the sitters for their patience, kindness and availability. 

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mr. James W. Packer.