James Edward Belcher
James Edward Belcher, 78, born on May 4, 1946 of Chattanooga, TN,, went home to be Jesus on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 in the early, quiet of the morning, with peace that only God can give. He was surrounded by his love, Linda, and all of his children and many family members.
James retired from Heatec, Inc. after 37 years of service. Prior to his work at Heatec, he worked as a mason, even building his own home. He was a Deacon for many years with Hilltop Baptist Church. James was an avid golfer for many years of his life, even hitting a “hole in one” which won him a lot on Montlake where he built his second home on the first hole at Montlake Golf and Country Club.
In his later years, James developed many other interests and hobbies including gold mining, where he and his wife, Linda, are members of the Loud Mine Camp Group, where he enjoyed many days of mining for gold. He was also known for his bread making skills, James’s Hard Apple Cider and camping. They loved traveling and seeing God’s beautiful country. This Husband, Father, Brother and PaPaw is so loved and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Ara Kerley Belcher; brother, Michael Belcher and step-son, Ricky Ridge.
James is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Linda Ellard Belcher; children, Johnny Belcher, Chris (Aleisha) Belcher, Stacie (Scott) Ledridge, Tracie (Dude) Record, Debi (Sam) Johnson, Sandy (Terry) Carter and Jimbo (Sandy) Ridge; grandchildren, Brittany (Steven), AJ (Leslie) Sarah (Jake), Stephanie (Shaye), Trey (Shelby), Ciera AKA Nikki (Zach), Makayla (Nick), Kortland (Kenzie), Kendall, Kolbie, Aralynn and Blakely; many great-grandchildren; siblings, RL (Betty) Belcher, Kenneth (Sherry) Belcher, Jerry (Cathy) Belcher and Susan (Perry) Bell).
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the funeral home.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tom Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of James.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.