James Earl Bolton, 58, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday August 17, 2017 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following a period of declining health. Born March 9, 1959 to the late Major and Ruby Bolton, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. Mr. Bolton worked several years for Mark Byrd. James possessed a heart of gold and was very devoted to his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Carol Bolton. Surviving are his daughters and sons in law, Ciara and Chad Rider, Gainesville, ShaShawna and Donavun Jackson, Cumming, Dystuny and Eric Manning, Dawsonville; 10 grandchildren; sisters and brother in law, Sue McBrayer, Helen Swafford, Ruby Anne and Tracy Lingerfelt, all of Dawsonville; brothers and sisters in law, Carl and Jean Bolton, John and Kris Bolton, both of Dawsonville; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Sunday August 20, 2017 at 4 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jimmy Chester will officiate. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.