Mr. James Arnold Malone, age 89, of Cedartown, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was born on October 20, 1936 in Cedartown. He was the son of the late Alvin and Lula Bell Brazier Malone.
His smile was a reflection of his heart, kind, gentle, and full of love. He had a servant’s heart. He worked hard, not for recognition, but because that’s simply who he was.
James worked at Atlantic Steel from 1965 to 1990, serving as a Caster Foreman before taking early retirement. In 1990, he traded that title for one he wore just as proudly “farmer.” He returned to the farmland and home his parents had acquired in the early 1940s. Even at 89 years old, and facing a terminal diagnosis, he was talking about bush hogging this summer. He wasn’t afraid of work. He provided for his family his entire life, and even after his children were grown, he kept going. Maybe a little slower, but still steady. Still faithful. He was the image of dedication.
He was funny and lighthearted, always ready with a one liner that made people laugh. He carried a lightness that drew people in. James was always sharp in both mind and appearance. You could talk with him about “the good ol’ days,” and there wasn’t much he couldn’t remember. He was usually dressed in pressed pants and a button down shirt, every hair in place, unless he was on his tractor, dressed for the work he loved.
James was love. He was light. He was kind. A devoted family man, a father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He carried each role with pride. He was the kind of man people were naturally drawn to, a presence that felt steady and safe. A soul we were all blessed to know and love. One who will be deeply and dearly missed.
Mr. Malone is survived by his wife, Margaret “Margie” Kelley Malone; daughters, Beverly Jean Malone and Belinda Malone (Pat); sons, James Malone (Donna), Jeffery A. Malone and Bradley Charles Malone (Jeanette); sister-in-law, Martha Malone; grandchildren, Andrew, Brittney, Michael, Blake, Ashley and Kayla; great-grandchildren, Layla, Addison, Jason, Rylee, Haylyn, John-Reed, Liam, Noah, Bella, Jonah, Colt, Aurora, and Johnathan; several nieces and nephews and several other extended family members.
Mr. Malone is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ima Jean Spann Malone; sisters, Ruby Jewell Tinney, Mary Lee Teal and Alline Lockridge; brothers, Donald Malone and Charles Malone and great-grandson, Brody M. Malone.
A graveside service for Mr. Malone will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:30 am in the family lot of Northview Cemetery with Rev. Billy Hicks officiating.
The family of Mr. Malone will receive family and friends on Friday, March 6, 2026 from five o’clock in the evening until seven o’clock in the evening at the Gammage Funeral Home and also on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9 o’clock in the morning until eleven o’clock in the morning at the Gammage Funeral Home.
The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Michael Malone, Zachary Williams, Andrew Malone, Blake Darnell, Jason Sanzari and Addison Malone.
