James Headlee
James Earl Headlee, 90, of Chattanooga, died on Thursday, August 11, 2016.
Born in Pikeville, Tn., on Sept. 2, 1925, Jim was the son of James Milton Brown Headlee and his wife Emma (Howser). A special influence in his life were his revered grandparents, Milton Levi and Tennessee (Oldham) Howser.
He was a student at Bledsoe County High School when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in June, 1943. His WWII campaigns were Guam and Okinawa. During the Korean Conflict he was recalled as a Gunnery Sergeant to train Marines in San Diego. After 21 years of service he retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in August, 1966.
After the war he completed high school and began working at the Chattanooga DuPont plant, from which he retired in 1983 as a tech lab chemical analyst.
He continued to serve in the local USMCR unit (4/14) as Captain of the Rifle and Pistol Team and coach of the softball team. For many years he was Scout Master of the Boy Scouts troop meeting at his church, Central Baptist of Woodmore. After retirement he baked cookies for hospital ministries of his second church, Ridgedale Baptist.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two beloved additions to his life: stepfather, Frank Hammack and daughter-in-law, Kristin (Maxwell) Headlee.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Henderson) and son, Ted.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Bill Owens officiating. Interment will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it was his wish that donations be made to the building fund of Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort and to view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
James Headlee