James Ledford
James Daniel Ledford of Chattanooga and Hayesville, North Carolina entered into eternity on Thursday, June 10, 2021 with his son, James (Jimmy) Ledford and other family members present.
Jim had suffered a lingering vascular and heart illness and in recent months was afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease. He had spent the last three years at the Bridge in Ooltewah and finally at the Lantern in Collegedale for his specialized care. Prior to that he and Brenda had spent their life in Rocky Face, Ga., and on Cobble Lane in Harrison, Tn., on Lake Chickamauga where they both loved to boat and ski.
Jim was born in Hayesville, N.C. and worked there briefly and attended Young-Harris College in Young-Harris, Ga. for two years. He later brought his family to Chattanooga where he began his work in sales with the Avery Corporation. Jim was always interested in politics and current events in his community. He was the state director of the Chattanooga Jaycees and was host of their J. C. Question of the Week television program. He also attended several meetings and events of the Harrison Ruritan Club after moving to Cobble Lane. Jim was involved in precinct work with his local political party in Hamilton County.
Jim was born to Beecher and Donnie Davenport Ledford, who were Baptist and Church of God. Jim’s mother had hoped he would become a minister and thus named him James Daniel. The names were passed onto his son, James David Ledford, and to his sons, David and Daniel Ledford. Jim accepted the grace of the Lord’s salvation as a youth with this Christian upbringing in his home. He remained a strong man of faith throughout his life. He and Brenda attended the Harrison United Methodist Church, Harrison, until his failing health would no longer allow.
As a small boy, Jim already loved boats, and it was told that he constructed a boat that actually floated in Lake Chatague, Ga. That love carried him to boating the rest of his life. Jim spent most summers either in his houseboat, his motor boat or on his, Tuff Ship or the LaBre Motor Yachts. Jim captained boats for friends including Falls One for the owners of Ruby Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Stiner. Brenda and her family also purchased a motor yacht in Cincinnati, Ohio and Jim and Don brought it back by water down the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers back into the waters of Soddy Creek, Chattanooga, to Pine Harbor Marina.
James Ledford served four years in the United States Army and due to his business training he served most of his tour in Alexandria, Virginia where he also became a skilled marksman. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army’s Virginia Command. After this Jim had obtained his boat captain’s and pilot’s license and he flew privately for many years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Beecher Ledford. His survivors are Brenda K., the love of his life for the past 32 years, Brela Kay, James David (Jimmy and Shawn Rigsby) Ledford, David Ledford, Daniel Ledford, Bob and Kathie Ledford Hill, Rob and Samantha Hill, Zaylee Brown and Eli Hill, Enoch and Alva Jean Ledford, Marilyn Ledford Freeman and Eugene Freeman, and Don and Linda Hampton Higdon.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Thursday, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Chapel with burial following in the National Cemetery at 1 p.m. in Chattanooga. The Reverend Dane Deatherage will officiate.
Memorials may be sent to Harrison United Methodist Church or McKamey Animal Center 4500 North Access Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415. The family is appreciative to all those special care givers and medical providers at Memorial, Memorial East and Erlanger Hospitals for his loving care. To God be the Glory for ever and ever.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.