Mr. James “Orban” Elders, age 76 of Cedar Bluff in the Hurley community, passed away on March 23, 2026, at his residence. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chad Brown officiating and Shannon Hamilton speaking. Burial will follow at Unity Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Jean Mackey Elders; sister, Wanda Elders Crosley (Orman); sisters and brother in law, Donna Faye Woodall (Alton), Shirley Anne Woodall (Kenneth), Greg Mackey (Staci), Sheila Starr, and Norma Jeane White (Tom); several nieces and nephews; chosen sons, Scott Woodall and Shannon Hamilton; and chosen daughter, Beth Hamilton.
Pallbearers will be nephews.
Orban was an avid fox hunter for many years and was part of the Red Ridge Fox Pen hunting club. He loved to sit around and play Rook with his friends. Orban also loved taking trips to the Smoky Mountains with his wife and their little dog, Madison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Chandler and Essie Leona Elders; and his brother-in-law, Randy Mackey.
The family requests no food.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
