James Clifton Rascoe, age 98, of Sparta, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at NHC HealthCare Sparta.

He was born July 6, 1928, in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late Johnnie C. Rascoe and Tula Winstead Rascoe. James proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Central Church of Christ.

James devoted his life to education. As principal of East Sparta School, he worked closely with the school’s PTA, once leading a group of parents to Nashville to visit the state PTA office and attend a session of the Tennessee House of Representatives. In 1978, seeking public office for the first time, he was elected Superintendent of Schools for White County, a position he held until 1990.

When he announced his candidacy, he said, “How we teach them, how we treat them, and certainly how we inspire them, is a heavy responsibility of our schools.” He believed that the school system “belongs to all of the people,” that no one school should fare better than another, and that strong schools are built by supporting teachers and staying in close contact with parents. He pledged to serve with “no special promises to any group and no pre-arranged deals with any person,” and he carried that same fairness and honesty through his years of service to the children of White County.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Louise Rascoe.

He is survived by a host of cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Spring Hill Cemetery, with Bro. Ben Rominske officiating.

Pallbearers will be Charles Dycus, Donnie Haley, Roy Heady, Fred Howell, Roger Mason, Jerry Nash, and David Whiteaker.

Thurman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rascoe family.