James Arthur Fortner, Jr

Mr. James Arthur Fortner, Jr., age 88, of Griffin, passed away May 17, 2026.  James was born in Pike County, GA, son of the late James Arthur Fortner, Sr. and Minnie Lee Gatlin Fortner. James was a veteran of the United States Army.

Throughout his life he worked for multiple trucking companies and most recently served as a vehicle recovery agent.  He was passionate about all things farming, horses, and western TV shows.  He was an avid reader; with his favorite being US history and western fiction and had several copies of the Bible.

Like most men of his generation, James had a tough outer shell and was no stranger to hard work or hard times.  His life wasn’t an easy one; but God used him to teach us all to forgive, especially when we don’t think it is deserved, to give grace, and to love the unlovable; but mostly love.  And for these lessons, we are thankful; as we will always have an opportunity in life to practice. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Huff, brother, Steve Fortner, sister, Gloria Worsham and other close relatives.

He is survived by his wife: JoAnn Fortner; children and their spouses:  Kenya Kingsbury (Robby), Niki Jarrard (Kip), and Jay Fortner (Jennifer); grandchildren and their spouses: BJ Kingsbury (Nicole), Austin Kingsbury (Krystian), Harrison Jarrard, and Carson Jarrard;

surviving sister: Sandra Morrison, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and two great-granddaughters.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home with Pastor Wade Corley officiating. Burial will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens.

Friends may visit the family on Friday, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the funeral home.

A special thank you to: Spalding Post Acute Nursing Home (Jennifer, Stacey, Kelsey and many others that provided great care for James and the family), Guiding Light Hospice (John Strickland, Alexis, Denver), and his roommate and last friend, Mr. Joe.