James Gregory
James "Jim" Lee Gregory, 91, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday morning, March 2, 2021.
He was born in Salisbury, NC, and was the youngest and last surviving child born to the late James Walter Gregory and Edna Griffin Gregory. Jim attended school in Salisbury, NC, and graduated from Boyden High School, class of 1947.
Jim started his career with Southern Railway in Spencer, NC but was interrupted after he enlisted in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he attended several Communication Schools and was the Radio Operator for the Battalion Commander of the 325 RCT and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his honorable discharge in March 1955, he returned to Spencer and continued his railroad career. Jim was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Old Hickory Division of the North Carolina National Guard.
His work ethic and commitment led to his promotion in August of 1979 to become manager of the Southern Railway Locomotive Facility, located in the DeButts Yard in Chattanooga, retiring from that position with Norfolk-Southern in August of 1987. Jim and his family joined Concord Baptist Church in 1974, where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, the Finance Committee, Personnel Nominating Committee and the Building Committee. The one area he gained the most satisfaction and loved was Property and Maintenance. He was committed to daily Bible study, tithing and serving his Lord, Jesus Christ. Jim ‘s love and devotion to his family was unwavering and he committed himself to providing for his wife and three daughters. When the grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, he loved and offered many words of wisdom, support and advice.
He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Alhambra Shrine and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Jim was married for 64 years to Rose Marie Kesler Gregory, until her passing in April of 2018. They were blessed with three daughters, Kim Gregory (Carl) Collins, Chapel Hill, NC, Regina Gregory (Terry) Brock, Chattanooga, TN and Bonnie Gregory Rose, Rocky Face, GA; four grandchildren, James Gregory Brock, Phillip Lee Brock (Mary), Megean Marie Collins Simpson (David) and Courtney Rose Brock Capehart (Zach); nine great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Brock, Megan Soloff, Heidi Brock, Piper Brock, Mason Brock, Will Brock, Wade Simpson, Asher Simpson and Brock Capehart.
The family will honor his life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, in the funeral home chapel with Reverend David King officiating.
Interment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Rose.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions can be made to Concord Baptist Church, 7025 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, in Jim’s honor.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort and to view the service via livestreaming.
Per the current health situation and mandate of the Hamilton County Mayor, visitors must adhere to all CDC guidelines, including social distancing and the wearing of facial coverings for visitation and/or services.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.