James “Jim” Winfred Thrash, 90, of Chattanooga, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on Nov. 28, 1931, in Brundidge, Al., to the late Euell and Ruby Thrash. His lifelong career in building material sales with CertainTeed took him to Greenwood, MS, Jackson, MS, St. Louis, MO, Atlanta, GA, Savannah, GA, and Oxford, NC where he retired as a national sales executive after 37 years of service. He was dubbed by his colleagues at CertainTeed as “the last of the Amiables” and was known for his courteous, reliable, and generous ways. In addition to being with his beloved family, Jim loved to fish and hunt, coach and watch sports of all kinds, sing and play guitar, tell jokes at the end of a family meal, and most of all, play golf.
He was a man of deep faith and service andwas a former deacon and choir member at Lookout Valley Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Fredand Wendell, and two sisters, Lavoniaand Florilla.
Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 70 years, Betty, and children, Jane (Bob) Berz of Chattanooga, TN, Gail (John) Laytham of St. Peters, MO, Diane (Lonny) Hightower of Tyler, TX, and Jim (Sherri) Thrash of Houston, TX; Grandchildren David (Mia) Littlejohn, Katelyn (Nate) Kirnie, Clint (Natalie) Laytham, Jill (Dan) Wies, Chris (Stacey) Hightower, Kyle (Candace) Hightower, Clay (Lauren) Hightower, Michael (Kimberly) Thrash, Sara Thrash; 23 great-grandchildren; sister Glennie (Oscar) Cope, and brother, Lomax;nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends from a life well-lived.
The family is grateful for the loving care and committed staff of Hospice of Chattanooga, Phileo Home Care, and Everlan of Hixson.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in Forest Hills Cemetery officiated by Reverend Wade Casey.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Chattanooga may be made in his honor.
Arrangements are by Wann Funeral & Cremation Center at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo, 423 821-7551.