Jim "Dude" McGhee Sr.

Jim “Dude” McGhee Sr., 83, of Rossville, Georgia, passed away on May 19, 2026. Born May 8, 1943, Jim lived a life defined by steady resilience, faithful loyalty, and the kind of hard work that quietly builds a legacy. Those who knew him best also knew his wisdom—shared freely, never withheld, and offered with a genuine desire to help others find their way.

In the late 1950’s, he enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Jim was also an accomplished auto-body repairman and served as an apprentice out of the Painter’s Local Union. He later retired as a plumber from the Local 43 Plumbers and Steam Fitters Union after 45 years of service. Jim was also appointed by Dalton Roberts, who was county mayor at that time to the position of chairman for the Plumbing Board of Examiners in the 1980's. He also served as treasurer for two different churches, Grace Avenue Baptist and Kingspoint Baptist, which served as evidence of his honesty and integrity.

Along the way, he also owned several businesses—proof not only of his drive, but of a lifelong commitment to providing, improving, and persevering through every season.

Jim was a loving husband and father, married to Shirley Ann McGhee for 54 years. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife Shirley; sons Timothy James McGhee Sr., and Steven Dewayne McGhee; daughter Rhonda Kay Richardson; and parents, Sherman and Ethel McGhee. He was the last of 4 siblings.

Left behind to cherish Jim’s memory are his children Crystol (Javier) Jordan, Jimmy (Amanda) McGhee Jr, and Christy (Jerry) Keys; loving daughter-in-law Toni McGhee; grandchildren Tiffany, David, Kalyn, Timothy Jr, Alyssia, Lily, Lydia, and Leah; and five great grandchildren.

To his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jim was “Papaw”—a name that captured one of his greatest joys and most treasured roles. It was in those relationships that his devotion shone brightest, and where his steady presence was felt as something sure and lasting.

A man of wide interests and simple pleasures, Jim was an enthusiast and collector of NASCAR and Hot Wheels cars. He loved gardening and land scaping, enjoyed fishing, and was an avid TN Volunteers college football fan—always ready to cheer, to talk, and to enjoy the moment.

While active at his church, Jim and his wife found joy in serving others and their local community. He especially loved giving gifts to his family, and he took pride in teaching, coaching, and mentoring anyone who had questions and the willingness to learn—passing along not just know-how, but confidence and encouragement.

Jim often said that the reason certain people were so successful in business, family, or in life was because they were giving to anyone who was in need. That belief shaped the way he lived and inspired him to do the same with anyone he encountered.

A Receiving of Friends will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, on Monday May 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2026, at 11:00 am at the funeral home and will be followed by a Committal Service held at Chattanooga Memorial Park where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Shirley.

The family is very grateful and thankful for the Grief Share Community out of Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene, who loved and supported Jim during his time of need.

The family would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our friends, and to Jim’s co-workers, business partners, and colleagues for all their support shown to us with your loving kindness, generosity, and prayers. We are grateful to the staff at Memorial Hospital and Dr. McCallie for their kindness and compassion for Jim and our family during this difficult time. Thank you all so very much.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Jim online with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements.