James Victor Lynch passed away at the age of 97 on March 27, 2017, in Salt Lake City, Utah after a short illness. He was born on December 4, 1919, in Claiborne County, Tennessee to Charles Greenberry Lynch and Martha Rouse Lynch. He was the 8th born in a family of 13 and was the last surviving child. His childhood was spent on a farm in rural East Tennessee. He married his high school sweetheart, Gwendolyn Malone, in February 1941, soon after he had enlisted in the Navy. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Tennessee, simultaneously working and raising his two girls, Brenda, born 1942 and Vicki, born 1948. He graduated in 1950, prepared to teach Vocational Agriculture. Post-graduation he, along with his little family, left his beloved Tennessee and migrated north to Indiana. After teaching veterans for one year in North Vernon, he took a position at Prairie Twp. High School, Tipton, Indiana, where he taught for 30 years. There he earned the reputation as a highly respected teacher. During this time he coached several FFA livestock judging teams to national championships, guided countless 4-H'ers in achieving top results in their projects, and served as an advisor to many local farmers. In addition to his year-round job as a teacher, he enjoyed working a small farm and various miscellaneous agriculture related jobs. He kept current in his profession by taking many classes and seminars. He attended Hopewell Methodist Church and was well-liked and held in high esteem in the community. He spent the first few years of his retirement in Indiana and then returned to Tennessee where he and Gwen bought their dream-home. For the past two years he resided at the William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home in Salt Lake City, Utah. While there, he became a favorite of many of the staff. His southern wit and wisdom and sometimes salty repartee was very entertaining and endearing to residents and staff alike. He was happy, well-loved and exceptionally well-cared for. Vic was the loving father of Brenda Elliott and Vicki (Jerry) Peterson, cherished grandfather of Steve Elliott, Laurie Elliott, Valerie (Steve) Ruisi, JD (Sara) Mohr, and proud great grand-father of Victoria, Christian, Briana, Charlie Ann, Leila, and Chase. Love and devotion to his family was his life's mission. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Gwen. The family will receive friends 12 noon until the time of the service to be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, 220 Highway 61-East, Maynardville, TN 37807, 865-992-5456, Rev. Greg Sharp officiating. Interment to follow at Fords Chapel Cemetery, New Tazewell, Tennessee with military graveside honors by the Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.