Jim was born on May 17, 1934, to Thelma P. and Edgar Lee Rawls. He was a graduate of Hume Fogg High School and had hundreds of stories about growing up in East Nashville and watching downtown change over the years. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserves at 18 and was ultimately drafted into the Army a few years later. He was honorably discharged and was proud of his service to our country.
Jim married Jane in her hometown of Smithville, Tennessee about six months after they met. They were married for more than 65 years before her death in 2019. Their marriage and the legacy of love they created for their family and friends was an inspiration to everyone they knew.
For years Jim worked for the Castner-Knott Department Store in the home goods department. From there he moved on to the Kirsch Company as a salesman and he ultimately retired from Read Window Products. Before his retirement, he worked with a group of young ladies, all at least 40 years younger than he, who lovingly referred to him as “the Old Dude.” It was a title he loved.
Jim was a sports fan and enjoyed traveling to Knoxville on football weekends with Jane and their daughter, Jennifer. He became an avid Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators fan and one of his greatest joys was going to his first Predators game in “Smashville” in 2021. He also enjoyed reading political thrillers and westerns, playing card games, and watching reality television shows.
Jim was a people person who never met a stranger. He was quick-witted, loved to laugh, and was incredibly generous. He always led with kindness but was fiercely protective of his family.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jennifer, and grandson, James Jackson Rawls of Hermitage. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Betty Hale, and a brother-in-law, Brownie Tittsworth (both of Smithville, Tennessee) and beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of friends. He is pre-deceased by his cherished wife, Jane, two stillborn sons Lee Brown Rawls and Gary T. Rawls, his parents, and a sister, Norma Jean Lyle.
A celebration of life service will be held at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home on Donelson Pike in Donelson, Tennessee on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., preceding the service. There will not be a graveside or internment service.
Due to current health concerns, the family requests that guests please wear a mask either of your own or one available at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Boundless Foundation in Jim’s honor. For information, including a donation link, please click the Boundless Foundation link below.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HibbettHaileyFH.com for the Rawls family.
