James "Jim" Henry Pesnell

James Henry Pesnell, age 86, of Signal Mountain, passed away on May 31. He was a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and the son of the late James and Bertha Pesnell.

He graduated from Samford University in Birmingham with a B.S. degree in Business. He was employed for 34 years with Provident Life in Chattanooga, where he served as Senior Vice President until his retirement in 1995. He later became President of Healthsource Provident Insurance Company. In 1997, Cigna purchased Healthsource and named James Senior Vice President, a role he held until fully retiring in 2000.

Jim was very active in the Chattanooga community and served on the boards of Memorial Healthcare System, Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, SunTrust Bank, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Chattanooga, Memorial Hospital Foundation, and others. He enjoyed all sports, especially playing golf with his grandchildren. He was an active member of First Centenary United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Pesnell of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; daughter Piper (Larry) Huffman of Walnut, Mississippi; son Jeff (Suzanne) Pesnell of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Jordan Brooke Pesnell Horton, Connor Warren Pesnell, John Wyatt Huffman, and Ty Hunter Huffman. There are a total of seven great grandchildren (plus one on the way).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT at First Centenary United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jason Gaddis officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens North (family only). The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Hospital Foundation or First Centenary United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com