Mr. James Arthur Panter, age 77 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Friday, February 15, 2013 in the Fannin Regional Hospital. He was born on May 24, 1935 in Morganton, GA to the late Walter L. Panter and Bertha Catherine Ward Panter. Mr. Panter was retired as a machinist from Tennessee Chemical Company and City Service. He was a member of Morganton Baptist Church. Mr. Panter was a past Blue Ridge city council member. He served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1956. Mr. Panter was also preceded in death by siblings, Edward Panter, Gaynelle Walker and Mary Green.He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Freddie Panter of Blue Ridge, GA; children and their spouses; Mike and Susan Panter of Blue Ridge, Pam and Joel Williams of Gainesville, GA, Mitzi Panter of South Haven, MS and Kevin and Lorraine Panter of Blue Ridge, GA; grandchildren, Brandie Clore, Jodi Whidby, Jill Fodstad, Dustin Johnson, Darin Johnson, Ashley Panter, Kelsey Panter, Austin Panter and Lainey Panter; great-grandchildren, Haley Clore, Loren Whidby, Jovie Johnson, Avery Johnson, Nevaeh Johnson, Kendall Clore, Jameson Clark Whidby, Ryleigh Clore and Kylee Johnson.Funeral services were held on Monday, February 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Howard Galloway, Rev. Delmar Davenport and Rev. Doug Burrell officiating. Music was by Eddie Panter, Greg Norton and Rachel Currie. Pallbearers were Johnny Scearce, Robbie Stuart, Tony Petty, C.J. Green, Tim Verner, Junior Burnette, Dustin Johnson and Darin Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were former employees of Tennessee Chemical Company and City Service, Dr. William Knapp, Dr. Jack Roof, health care providers of Fannin Regional Hospital, former and current city of Blue Ridge City Council members and employees, and special friend Angie Cox. Interment followed in Morganton Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to The Fannin County Empty Stocking Program, Inc., P. O. Box 2563, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. .