James Edward Christian
James Edward Christian, 88, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Chattanooga on Feb. 23, 1936, to the late John and Josephine Christian in North Chattanooga. Jim retired from Norfolk Southern Railway and Business Products Center. His faith and faithfulness lead him to be involved in the music ministry in several churches.
He served as minister of music and deacon at First Calvary Baptist and most recently at One Accord Community Church. His love for music was very evident in his daily life as he would always be singing a gospel song. Even as he was in the hospital there was hardly a time he wasn’t singing or humming a hymn, occasionally even having a nurse to join in. Jim was a member of gospel quartets since high school starting with the Cavaliers and later the New Life Quartet.
Jim graduated from City High School where he played trumpet in the band and fought as a lightweight on the boxing team and Golden Gloves. He served in the Marine Reserves during the Korean war and played taps for military funerals at the National Cemetery. Jim was a Mason and a member of Daisy Lodge no. 706 F&AM. He loved the Vols and rarely missed a game; football, basketball, or baseball.
Jim will always be remembered as having a smile on his face. He loved a good practical joke as everyone who knew him is well aware of. Even his lifelong nickname “Tick” spoke to his ability to “get under your skin.” He was an avid Wii player and would gladly defeat anyone who was up to the challenge- with a smile on his face.
He and his wife Barbara cherished all the times they spent with their dear friends on their many vacations and always had stories to tell of their adventures.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara (Everett) Christian and his parents John and Josephine Christian.
Left to cherish him in memory are his two sons, Mark (Allie) Christian, Barry (Yvonne) Christian, his brother, Sam Christian, grandchildren, Ashley, Adam, Brittany, Lindsay (Taylor) and Heather (Hunter), great-grandchildren, Mason, Serenity, Luke, Evan, Charlotte, Callie, Caroline, Cooper, several nieces and nephews, and his faithful companion and best friend, Winston.
Whether he was known to you as “Brother Jim”, “Dad”, “Papaw”, “Bukes”, “Tick”, “Jimmy”, or just “Jim” the joy and positivity he added to your life was immeasurable. He will be missed beyond measure but we take solace in knowing he is Home with his Savior, his wife, and his parents.
Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of the Lord.
The family will receive friends at Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343 on Sunday, Jan. 19, from 1-4 p.m. The service will directly follow in the chapel with Brother Ray Williams and Jim Evans officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Chattanooga Songbirds Foundation- https://songbirdsfoundation.org/donate
Arrangements entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services 4506 Hixson Pike Hixson, Tn. 37343, 423 531-3875. Please visit https://www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com/obituary/james-christian to express condolences.