James Robert Mann

James Robert Mann, 68, passed away peacefully at Chattanooga’s CHI Memorial Hospital on Friday, May 26, 2023. James was born to Eugene Turner Mann, Sr. and Naomi Adderhold Mann on June 10, 1954 in Rome, GA. He was born with Down Syndrome and the third of 3 boys. He spent his childhood trying to keep up with his older brothers, Gene and John Mann. After his mother, Naomi passed, the family decided that the best place for him to live was at the Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was a resident there for the last 44 years. During his time at Orange Grove, a recycling center was started. Being proficient with a broom, he decided he would work there. He also decided that he would sit at the Manager and Supervisor’s table during lunch, obviously self-invited. But that’s how James was, uncompromising at times in a cute and harmless way. James had many passions. He loved playing with matchbox cars, watching wrestling videos and shooting basketball hoops. He was an incredibly good basketball shooter. James also loved cutting paper and was very meticulous with every cut. He admired people with strength and was highly motivated. He contributed to his family, Orange Grove, and the community at large through yard work and house cleaning. Sweeping, vacuuming and raking were a few of his favorite self-imposed tasks. He knew how to work hard and wouldn’t quit until he felt satisfied or someone made him stop. He truly wanted to make the world a better, cleaner place. If you were lucky enough to have him visit, he’d clean your house top to bottom and then start on the yard. Once he had finished your house, you’d most likely find him over in your neighbor’s yard. James was a man of few words but his presence brought out the best in everyone who knew him. His sweet nature encouraged us to match his kindness with kindness. He inspired us to be the best versions of ourselves - to be better people. He relished and enjoyed the simple things in life: a good meal, a hug, a strong handshake, a night at home, time with family, and a good, competitive arm-wrestling match. He led an exemplary life, making the most out of who he was and what he had to offer. May we all be so pure to our passions and what we hold dear. He is survived by his older brothers, Eugene (Gene) Turner Mann lll (Joan) of Cedar Bluff, AL and John Garland Mann (Marie) of Atlanta, GA. Nieces Christy Ford (Wes) of Rome, GA, Naomi Mann of Atlanta, GA, and Heather Humphrey (Blake) of Brackenridge, CO. He is also survived by his great-nephews Andrew Lindsey (Katlin) and Austin Lindsey (Heather) of Gaylesville, AL. Great great-nephews, Greyson, Branston, Jettson and great great-niece Wrenly Lindsey. After Naomi’s passing, Eugene Mann, Sr. married Eugenia (Jean) Moore whose husband was deceased. She had three children with her former husband: Catherine Neal, Nancy Soper, and Norm Moore. Jean and her children adored and loved James. James’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Orange Grove for taking care of him all these years. The family requests no flowers and if inclined in lieu of flowers, a donation made to Orange Grove at the website: https://orangegrovecenter.org/3.154/in-honor-memory-of-donation-orange-grove-center in the name of James Robert Mann. Perry Funeral Home Directing

James Robert Mann

June 10, 1954 - May 26, 2023