James Frank Lockmiller

James Frank Lockmiller, age 87, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 16, at his residence.

Mr. Lockmiller was born Oct. 29, 1924, in Ashland, Ohio, to the late Frank and Gertrude Lockmiller.

Mr. Lockmiller was a lifetime patriot and supporter of his country through his service. He was a private first class in the United States Marine Corps, 3rd Marine Division, Pacific Theater Guadalcanal, and security detail for the Manhattan Project from 1943-1945. Mr. Lockmiller was a GI participant in the “Battle of Athens” on Aug. 1, 1946, the outcome of which helped to lay the foundation for the McMinn County government.

He worked for Union Carbide Corporation Nuclear Division from January 1945 to June 1982 at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Fuel Recycle Division and was honored to be included on the Secret City Founders Wall, which was dedicated in 2004.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lockmiller was preceded in death by his wife Colleen Frahm Lockmiller.

Survivors include his son, Randy Lockmiller and his wife Dawn of Knoxville; daughters, Sarah Lockmiller of Eatonton, Ga., Jaime’ McKinney of Knoxville, and Anne French of Knoxville; grandson, Nick Lockmiller and his wife Kara of Knoxville; great-grandchildren, Jaimie Lockmiller, Jacob Jones, and Gabriel Lockmiller; sister Barbara Woody of Lyndon, Ky.; and special friend of the family, Bill Hunt of Knoxville.

The family will receive friends Friday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Parkinson Support Group, 117 New Haven Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830, or Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764.