I worked with Jim at TVA's Paradise Plant. A fine gentleman to work with.

Some people knew him as James and some as Jim... I had the luxury of knowing him as Uncle "Buddy" . I also got to grow up just down the block from his house and the 4 girls. When I would get lonely I would sneak up to thier house and play in the backyard on the swingset/monkey bars/slide until I would get caught and Uncle Buddy would come out and tell me to go home because a boy shouldnt be playing with a bunch of girls. I would go down a couple yards until he went in and sneak back when the coast was clear. He wouldnt let that happen more than once...lol. He sure loved his girls and even though I was only 7 or 8 he didnt like taking a chance with a boy around them...hehe. I remember the fun they had on Saturday nights with Mom & Dad playing them in cards and the scent of popcorn and how good the peanut butter candy with coconut in it tasted. One of the biggest lessons I learned with him was when my friend and I noticed he had a walnut tree in the backyard all over the ground and we decided to collect them together to sell. "Uncle Buddy" walked outside and noticed us messing with the walnuts and said we could have all we wanted on the ground. We began to bust open the outer cores of them and got the inner black dye all over our hands up to our elbows. We even carried them home in our shirts. Im sure "Uncle Buddy" had a good snicker as he saw us tearing them open. We got home and worked on freeing as many as we could. To our surprise, our parents told us that when you pick walnuts you have to use gloves because the dye will not come off. We went for weeks with black arms, splotches on our face, and had to trash the clothes...lol. We didnt go back for a while. After we moved away I got a job at a gas station/truckstop on I65 South. Out of the blue at 1 or 2 in the morning I would turn around and there he would be with that big grin...lol. He would have to go pick up Angie from the airport and said he stopped in to see me and say hi. Imagine that not once but several times. We would talk a bit and then they would be on thier way. Alway a surprise. Then the computer age was ushered in and mine and Moms mailbox was always filled with links to everywhere, poems, and also pictures of his flower garden, birds, and of course his grandkids that he was SOOO proud of. We could always tell how well he felt by how many emails we got from him. The best memory that comes to mind was the one time that I really got to talk to him for a long time at the Family Reunion in 06 at the Greenville. Everyone was off talking and he happened to be by himself decked out in his UK windbreaker pants and hat. Since I wasnt part of one of the groups talking, I made my way over and sat down. From start to finish we talked about UK basketball for over an hour. I fancy myself as a big fan but he was telling me stuff about that years team I didnt know about yet, and yes he was right. It really meant a lot to get to talk to him. The last few times I saw him he always met us at the car with a big grin and we werent getting away without seeing his flowers; he was good at making beautiful things from flowers to 4 daughters. Aunt Martha, I lost my Mary Jo after 12 years and I cant imagine 4 times that much but I would say the best thing that came out of it was getting to spend 4 times as much time with him. I know that will not take away the pain but you have a lot of people that will love you and see you thoough. Angie, Gale, Dale, & Gigi... I cant imagine your pain and hope its a while before I have to. If there is anything I can do to help, please just lmk. I love you all as you were the closest thing I had growing up to sisters. God Bless you all! Love Shawn "Big Cuz"

Dear Angie, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I pray that GOD will give you all the peace and comfort that you all will need to get through this difficult time. GOD BLESS Sarah

Dear Angie: I am so sorry of your loss. It is never easy to lose a parent. They are supposed to be invincible and never leave us. There is NO easy way to accept that they are gone. I remember a student told me something one time and I have ALWAYS kept it near. She said that she tried not to cry or to be sad so much because her Daddy could only see her from heaven when she was happy. So, just know that your Dad is in no more pain and that he is smiling down with proud eyes on you and your family. Love and Hugs to you all, Cynthia

Dale, Gale, Angie, and GiGi: I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but think of all you have gained over the years. Precious time spent getting to know and love your father is priceless. Try not to think of the time you know longer have but concentrate on the time you did have and all the wonderfull memories and laughs shared. What a wonderful life you had together. Through all the ups and downs, disappointments, good times, and celebrations, the love that was shared will never be forgotten. Continue to hold it in your heart as you continue your journey through this life. Always remember Jesus Christ is your refuge and strenght, a constant companion. God Bless, Angela Phillips Grimmett, GHS, Class of 89

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember James as a kind and caring classmate, with an infectious grin.

We are deeply saddened by Buddy's death, he will always be in our hearts and memories. We will miss his big grin and and listening to his stories of the past. Our deepest sympathy to Martha and the family. Dan & Betty Moseley

I'm thinking of all of you so much, We all know he's at ease now, but ,that doesn't keep our hearts from aching with his loss. He was such a friendly & happy person every time I would talk to him, even when his health started to get bad. I love all of you, and know that I am thinking of you all, and my heart is aching with you. Love to all, Billie Hadley

I remember the days of us camping, Dad playing basketball with us. He's not suffering anymore and he is having a grand time with God!!!

You will feel no pain now, you soar with the angels and see all His glory. Be at peace James. May your family find comfort in His words.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.