Jerry and Linda Butler

James Kirk Vise — born September 10, 1897 in Vise Town, Tennessee. Married Grace Ethel Farrand in Chicago, Illinois November 9,1924. Second marriage to Ann Veronica Davidson in Hernando, Mississippi February, 1948. J. K. Vise "Joe" was graduated from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Received his Master's Degree from Columbia University in New York City; a well-educated man he was associated with Marshall Fields in Chicago in the merchandizing department before he came back to Decaturville to be principal of the Decatur County High School and County Superintendent of Decatur County. He was a dedicated educator and worked for better teaching facilities and higher learning for all children. He was State Senator in the 71st General Assembly of the State of Tennessee for Benton, Decatur, Hardin, Hardeman and McNairy counties. He was a merchant in Decaturville operating the E. M. Vise and Company General Store for many years before moving to Memphis, Tennessee to go into the real estate business in Shelby County - where he died May 28, 1971 with a massive coronary in the Methodist Hospital. "Mr. Joe" was loved by all - he never met a stranger - he loved people. He was the most forgiving man, never holding a grudge against anyone. He taught a Sunday School in Decaturville Methodist Church and in Epworth Methodist & First Methodist and a Methodist Church in Memphis -"Mr. Joe" was a very well versed and educated person on the Bible. J K Vise was on his way to the Army when peace was declared in W.W. I.

From Lillye Younger, The History of Decatur County Past and Present (Southhaven, MS: Carter Printing Company, 1978).