James Calhoun Jumper, 84, of Red Bank, our beloved father, passed away Thursday morning, June 21, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Robert Lee Jumper, along with brothers, Bob and Tom Jumper.
He is survived by his children Cal Jumper, of Slidell, La., Mary Jane (Mark) Hooton, of Chattanooga, Joe Jumper, of Chattanooga, and Jay (Dawn) Jumper, of Lookout Mountain, Tn. He was the proud grandfather of Cal's children, Suzanne, Amy, and J.Cal Jumper, and Jay's children, Hannah, Colton, and Will Jumper.
He was born in Red Bank on Sept. 9, 1927, where he lived the majority of his life. He was a three-sport, standout athlete at Red Bank High school along with being voted Mr. Red Bank by his peers. He cherished playing sports alongside his brothers, Bob and Tom; all three known together as "The Jumper Boys." He began his collegiate athletic career at Georgia Tech where he played football and basketball before being drafted into the Army and serving in the Philippines. He returned to University of Chattanooga to play football and basketball where he was captain of the football team and received the University's Most Outstanding Athlete award his senior year, 1950. He remained a loyal supporter of the Chattanooga Mocs throughout his life.
After graduating, he returned to his alma mater, Red Bank High, where he taught Tennessee history and coached varsity football. For over 50 years, Daddy was self-employed as a manufacturer's representative primarily in the electrical heat business. He was inducted as a member of the Chattanooga Old Timer's Hall of Fame.
Throughout his life, he loved spending time at his cabin on Soddy Lake with family and friends. In his retirement, he could always be seen at his grandchildren's sporting events and enjoyed cheering them on whatever the sport may be.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Anne Fazio, Carol Dennis, and Nancy Hayes for all their loving care and support over the past year. His pall bearers will be Colton Jumper, Will Jumper, Clay Jumper, Bill Jumper, Ken Jumper, and Mike Williams.
Donations can be made to the UC Foundation in honor of Jim Jumper. Gifts may be mailed to: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Athletics Development, 615 McCallie Ave., Dept. 3503, Chattanooga, Tn. 37403-2598.
Visitation is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, June 25, at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace.
A graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Reverend and Honorable Sam Payne officiating.
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