James M. Close, better known as "Jim", age 69, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, passed away on August 8, 2024, in his home. He was born on March 28,1955, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents, James Hoyte and Margie Davis Close.
The Close family returned to their home state of Tennessee when Jim was 4 years old, which remained his home for the rest of his life. He attended Donelson High School and McGavock High School. Jim’s first job, when he was 16 years old, was at the Airport Hilton Hotel in the Banquets and Room Service Departments. At 17 years of age, Jim began his career in the freight business at Overnite Transportation Company. In the late 1980s, Jim was the second employee hired in Nashville with American Freightways where Jim worked his way up to Terminal Manager. He filled the role of various positions over the years. FedEx acquired American Freightways in 2001, where Jim continued his employment until Spring 2012. Later that year, he was employed by CLS Express until he retired in July 2024.
In the fall of 1992, Jim was baptized into Christ. In 1987, Jim began dating Phyllis Perkins. In 1993, they united in marriage on the weekend of Valentine's Day. Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. These hobbies were important to him throughout his whole life.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Hoyte Close, in 2007; his mother, Margie Close, in 2019; and his daughter, Jamie Hobbs, in 2009; Jamie was the apple of Jim’s eye. Jim is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Phyllis Close; his son, Todd Close; a son-in-law, Mike Hobbs; a stepson, Kip Perkins (Kristi); a stepson, Casey Perkins (Marissa); a grandson, Mikee Brown; a granddaughter, Bailey Hobbs; step-grandchildren Chris Reynolds, Chase Perkins, Eliza Perkins, and Eliana Perkins; great-grandchildren Aubrey, Brinley, Rilynn, Emerson, and Josie; a sister, Vickie Dupree (Ray); a nephew, Alan Dupree (Jessica); and his long-time best friend, Bruce Ray.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends in the Rachel Visitation Room at Hermitage Funeral Home on Thursday, August 15, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. A Celebration of James' Life will begin at 6:00 PM in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home. Fond memories, pictures, and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Close family at www.HermitageFH.com.
