James Carl Mebane, age 83, of Knoxville, Tennessee departed this world for his eternal home in Heaven on February 18, 2021. Jim was born to James E. Mebane and Ruby Mebane on January 3, 1938, in Wynne, AR. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Judith Crawley Mebane, son James David Mebane, daughter Meredith Mebane Prince (husband, Chris, and sons Luke and Henry), niece Pam Hill and nephew David Britton of Memphis, TN. Jim was a member of Central Baptist Church Fountain City and active servant as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher of the Soul Mates class, and serving on various committees over the years. Jim graduated from Arkansas State University and received his M.B.A. from The University of Arkansas. Jim started his career in banking at First National Bank of Wynne, Arkansas and came to Knoxville in 1966 as a National Bank Examiner, where he met Judy and decided to make Knoxville home. After a career in banking, Jim retired from First Tennessee Bank in 2007, thinking he would end his banking career. He was retired less than a year, when he was approached and agreed to a position as VP/Credit Officer at newly formed Foothills Bank & Trust. He was asked to work short term, but ended up working 10 more years (part-time) where his knowledge and experience truly helped the bank grow and prosper. Jim valued time with family. He coached his son, David’s basketball and baseball teams and taught his 7th grade Sunday school class (he continued teaching that class many years). He was David’s biggest fan. Jim and Judy shared a love for travel and visited many places in the world. In celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, they spent three weeks exploring Africa. Over the years, they visited countless beaches, national parks, and several continents. Their last trip was to Spain in March 2020 days before the pandemic. Meredith and her family began traveling with Jim and Judy right after Luke was born. They took at least one or more trips together every year starting with family beach trips. As the grandchildren got older, they visited National Parks, Alaska, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, and recently a 15 day tour of Europe. Other than a love for travel, Jim was an avid tennis player and continued to play through his 82nd birthday. He also served on the board of the Greater Knoxville Tennis Association. He enjoyed watching the sport just as much as playing it. Jim was extensively involved in the lives of his children and especially grandchildren, who knew him as Daddo. Jim took great joy in watching his grandsons do just about anything: playing tennis, baseball, basketball, piano recitals, and various church and school performances. Jim was most happy just being in their presence. After hearing this expressed at a funeral, Jim always said remember “Don’t cry because it’s over...smile because it happened.”
The Mebane family will receive friends on Sunday, February 21st from 3:00-4:00pm at Central Baptist Church of Fountain City. A memorial service in celebration of Jim’s life will follow the receiving of friends at 4:00pm, officiated by Dr. David Crocker and Reverend Josh Beeler. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church of Fountain City, 5364 North Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918 or to the Fountain City Ministry Center at PO Box 5311, Knoxville, TN 37928. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com
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