Mr. J. M. Valentine, age 85, died of complications of COVID-19 on December 18, 2020, in Jackson, TN.

J.M. is survived by his sister, Marie Hendren of Dyersburg; his five children, Pamela Valentine of Dyersburg, Randy Valentine of Kenton, Tonya Blythe of Monck's Corner, SC, Stacey (Norm) Hatton of Niceville, FL, Stephanie (Jean) Valentine of Virginia Beach, VA. His grandchildren are Robert Griffin, Noah Valentine, Nathan Valentine, Jack Sweatman, Danielle Grimes, Tabitha Bolen, Jamie Hatton, Seth Fairchild, Ricky Hatton, Travis Hatton, Crystal Hatton, Lucas Brown, and Garrett Brown. He was blessed with twelve great-grandchildren as well.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Mary Wells Valentine of Kenton; Father, Jessie Valentine; Mother, Maggie Valentine of Dyersburg; his sister, Jessie Virginia Jones of Dyersburg; and his infant daughter, Deborah Sue Valentine of Dyersburg.

J.M was born in Chic, Tennessee in 1935 to parents Jessie Valentine and Maggie Vestal Valentine of Dyersburg, TN.

He served in the Army in Germany. After his return, he moved to Dyersburg and became a machinist until he retired. His passions were his beloved animals and massive gardens.

J.M. was a social, active man who was deeply involved in farming for the majority of his life. He enjoyed visiting family, spoiling his dogs, and giving away the fruits of his fields. His family and friends will always remember him as a hard-working and kind person.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, December 21, 2020 from 5-8pm at Dyersburg Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 3PM at Dyer County Memorial Gardens. All are welcome to attend and celebrate J.M.'s life. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.