James Rhyan Ussery
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank you for your service
James served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
The heavenly choir gained the most beautiful tenor voice on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. James Rhyan Ussery was born on January 10, 1987, to Jan Casper Ussery and the late Gary Boyd Ussery at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia. As an only child, Rhyan was truly the center of his parents’ world and was deeply loved from the very beginning.
Rhyan was a 2005 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He continued his education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of North Georgia before answering the call to serve his country. In 2013, Rhyan joined the United States Marine Corps, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and completed multiple overseas deployments. Following his military service, he attended Valdosta State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also became a licensed gunsmith, a skill that reflected both his precision and his passion.
On November 23, 2024, Rhyan married the love of his life, Tabitha Amy Ussery. Together, they built a marriage full of laughter, adventure, and love. Tabitha brought a sense of peace and joy into Rhyan’s life that he treasured every moment they spent together.
From a young age, Rhyan’s faith was the foundation of his life. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of seven, joining Arbor Baptist Church, and from that moment on, his love for Christ never wavered. He shared his faith openly and sincerely with everyone he met, always hoping to “make Heaven crowded.” It’s easy to imagine Rhyan now at the Pearly Gates, still asking the many “why” questions he was so well known for. It’s safe to say that Job, Moses, Noah, and Jonah have already been thoroughly questioned.
Rhyan had a rare gift for connecting with others—he never met a stranger and would talk to anyone. He loved deeply, and if he loved you, you knew it without a doubt. He carried no grudges; once something was over, it was truly behind him, and you would never hear about it again. He forgave quickly and prayed about everything. He often reminded us that “words matter,” a simple truth he lived out daily. If you spent any amount of time talking with Rhyan, you could count on two things coming up in conversation—his love for Jesus and his passion for firearms. He shared both with enthusiasm and sincerity, always eager to connect.
Rhyan was truly one of a kind. God broke the mold with him—something he would proudly remind his cousin Carla of, often insisting he was actually older, despite her having been born first. This playful debate became a favorite tradition at family gatherings.
Rhyan will be missed most deeply by his family. He was known for blessing meals with heartfelt (and often very thorough) prayers, sometimes naming every dish and every person present. Everything Rhyan did, he did with passion—from collecting, refurbishing, and shooting firearms to proudly wearing his favorite “color,” camouflage. He even had a soft spot for Scooby-Doo, a detail that perfectly captured his fun-loving spirit.
Rhyan was a proud member of American Legion Post 99 and carried his sense of service and brotherhood with him throughout his life.
The world James knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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