James Ervin Poag, 82, of Newberry died Saturday, January 8, 2022 at his home. Born on April 22, 1939 in Newberry, he was a son of the late Dennon J. and Louise Trammel Poag. James served for six years in the Marine Corp Reserves. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and worked for many years in the Monsanto Plant in Greenwood, SC. In his younger years, he was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and often took his children trout fishing with him. James could be very creative in his cooking, and finally found his niche with baking. He would often bring baked goods to share with doctor's offices and friends, and was famous for his lemon bars. He was a Clemson football fan and always had a beautiful garden. Above all this was his family, he loved being Paw-Paw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Dickert Poag; daughter, Rebecca Poag; grandson, Jacob Tyler Poag (Nikki); great-grandchildren, Colton James and Emalyn Diane Poag; step-children, Lori Meetze (Travis) and Benji Leavell; step-grandchildren, Nena Auton (Brian), Heather Auton (James) and Tammy Auton (Brian); step-great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kade, Madisen, Emily, Gracyn, Cathryn, and Ashlyn; step-great-great-grandchild, Hadley; and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friend, Lynn Maness. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by a son, James "Jim" Newton Poag; step-granddaughter, Vanna Jeannette Auton; sisters, Shirley Corley and Mildred Kinard; and nephew, Scott Corley. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 14, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Thursday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry. Pallbearers will be Tyler Poag, Nikki Poag, Tammy Auton, Lee McKee, Jamie Capps, and Johnathon Murphy. Honorary pallbearers are members of Kindred Home Health and MSA Hospice. The family suggests memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church, Kindred Home Health or MSA Hospice. Messages of comfort may be left here on James' tribute wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.