James Earl McCall
James Earl McCall, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, and now joins his beloved wife Colleen in eternal rest.
Jim was born on Dec. 14, 1933, in Loudon, Tn., where he grew to become an accomplished student and athlete. Jim attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville as an engineering major where he played football for two years, then finished his matriculation at Maryville College as a star football player and graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1957. After graduation Jim was drafted by the US Army and after a brief time was released to continue his important work for the Union Carbide Nuclear Corporation in Oak Ridge, Tn., where he worked on the development of the atomic bomb and created special radioactive wafers that could be transported into space on unmanned missions to ascertain man’s ability to withstand gamma radiation. Jim joined the E. I. DuPont Company in 1962 as a chemist where he spent his career covering all facets of plant operations from Training to Manufacturing Management, Research and Development, Process Engineering and Quality Systems including an Engineering Management assignment in Hamm, Germany. While at DuPont he developed and patented a new method used in the manufacturing of nylon fiber. After retirement from DuPont, Jim formed a business consulting practice. He finished his business career with an opportunity as general manager of the Precision Packaging Division of Southern Champion Tray and considered it to be the perfect way to cap off his professional endeavors.
While at Maryville College, Jim met and subsequently married Colleen Crawford, the love of his life. Colleen and Jim moved to Signal Mountain in the early 60s and raised their daughters Jennifer and Meg on the mountain primarily on James Boulevard. Colleen and Jim were married for 64 years and their devotion to one another was an example for all who knew them, and an inspiration to their children and grandchildren. Jim enjoyed life and always had a smile on his face. Jim liked playing all sports, specifically golf, tennis and racketball. He delighted in all things outdoors - hunting, fishing, gardening and farming especially on his farm in Kelso, TN. Jim enjoyed woodworking and home improvement projects. He loved his Bible Study groups and all Tennessee Volunteer sports. Jim never missed an opportunity to be with his family and friends. He led by example and paid attention to life’s details. He was a faithful servant, great son, devoted husband, awesome father, grandfather, father-in-law and respected friend to so many and those roles gave him some of his proudest moments.
Jim had a strong faith and was an active member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church for over 62 years, participating in numerous outreach and mission programs, serving in numerous leadership roles and was named an Elder Emeritus for his faithful service. Jim joined Gideon International in 1989 and was a Gideon in the Signal Mountain Camp. Jim served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga. Jim was a board member at Leadership Ministries Worldwide (LMW), served on the Board of Trustees for Scenic Land School and the Board of Directors and Alumni Association Board for Maryville College where he received the Alumni Citation Award in 2007. He was also a member of the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club and the Manker Patten Tennis Club.
Jim will be remembered by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for his love, compassion and strength. Jim was loved by and is survived by his girls and their husbands: Jennifer Braun (Rob) and Meg Howerton (Phil); his grandchildren Krista Dunlap (Ryan), Robert Braun (Lindsey), Philip Howerton (fiancée Amerson Webb) and Marshall Howerton; his great grandchildren Matthew, Elliott and William Dunlap and Bo Braun.
He qs predeceased by his parents, Ethel Adkins McCall and Jesse Earl McCall, his beloved wife Colleen Crawford McCall and his older brother Milton SmithMcCall. He also leaves behind a number of McCall and Crawford cousins, nieces and nephews.
Special thanks are extended to the employees at Alexian Healthcare for his care during his last few months.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at 2 P.M. at the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church with a visitation and reception following at the church.
If you wish to make a charitable donation, Jim selected the following or the charity of your choice:
Signal Mtn. Presbyterian Church 612 James Blvd. Signal Mountain, TN 37377 (signalpres.org)
The Gideons International P.O. Box 201, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
Leadership Ministries Worldwide 1928 Central Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37408 (lmw.org)
Maryville College 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804 (
maryvillecollege.edu)