James Paul White

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Paul White, known to all who loved him as Paul. Paul left us on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the age of 56, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends, listening to his own music. It was a fitting farewell for a man whose life was so deeply woven with song.

Music was at the heart of who Paul was. He was a lifelong musician and a prolific songwriter, and he poured his thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the songs he wrote. For Paul, music was never just something he did. It was how he understood the world and how he shared himself with the people around him. His songs remain with us, and through them, so does a part of him.

Paul was a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he pursued his deep passion for the study of history. His curiosity about the past and the stories of those who came before him stayed with him throughout his life.

Above all, Paul was a sensitive and giving person. He felt things deeply and cared for others generously, and he touched the lives of all who knew him. Those who were close to him will remember his kindness, his creativity, and the quiet ways he showed his love.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Helen Bounds, Bill and Doris White; aunts and uncles, Janice Donahue, Connie and Charlie Dunlap, Nancy Miller, and Patrick White.

Paul is survived by his parents, Debbie and Larry Mobley, J. Daniel and Serene White; siblings, Little Brother, Wayne and Heather White, Brad and Robin White, Sydney Flax; aunts and uncles, Lou Ann Harvey, Jay Mobley, Joanie White, Belinda Balsinger; cousins, Joey Hickman, Gary and Penny Jenkins, Ellen and Mike Mahaffey, Dana and Roger Mihovch, Michael Miller and Laura Rader; nephews, Christopher Sestokas, Montana White, and Ken Mooneyhan; Lifelong Friends, Ryan Haynes, Reed Struxness and Bill Toney.

 We ask that you keep Paul in your hearts and in your thoughts, so that his memory, his music, and his kindness may live on in all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to be announced. Family and friends will be notified when arrangements are made.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Paul and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Oak Ridge, TN, is honored to assist the family with these arrangements.