James McColgan

James (Jimmy) Talleyrand McColgan Jr., of Oakland, Tennessee, passed away on September 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Nashville on January 11, 1939, he was the eldest son of the late James Talleyrand McColgan Sr. and Ruby Mai McKnight.

On December 29, 1959, Jimmy married the love of his life, Carolyn White, in Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and wonderful family times.

Jimmy graduated from Donelson High School in Donelson, Tennessee. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1961 to 1965. Following his military service, he began a long and successful career with American Airlines, retiring in 1996 after 30 years as a Fleet Service Clerk.

A fun-loving man with a generous heart, Jimmy cherished time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren—soccer, baseball, and basketball games were among his favorite moments. Every morning, he found comfort in reading and listening to his tapes of the Bible in the sunroom, which was his favorite room in the house.

He also had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed caring for his bluebirds and hummingbirds, as well as spending time at the lake, boating, skiing, and camping. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. His faith in Christ was central to his life, and he was a devoted member of Hickory Withe Baptist Church in Eads, Tennessee.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carolyn McColgan; his son, James T. (Inger) McColgan III; his grandchildren, Jessica (Gurel) Gursakal, Samantha (Kurtis) Pihl, and James T. (Mersadies) McColgan IV; and his great-grandchildren, Daniel Gursakal, Andrew Gursakal, James T. McColgan V, and Knox Pihl, who lovingly called him “Poppy.”

He is also survived by his sisters, Marietta (Robert) Walden and Sherry (Raymond) Walden; his nieces and nephews, Ray (Shelley) Walden, Randy (Heather) Walden, Robin Walden, and Michelle Streiff; along with 12 great-nieces and nephews and 1 great-great-niece.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Rick McColgan; and his brother, Ronnie McColgan.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow, all at Mt. Olivet Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN. Pallbearers: Jay McColgan, Kurtis Pihl, Gurel Gursakal, Daniel Gursakal, Ray Walden, and Ray Frazier. Honorary Pallbearers: Raymond Walden, Robert Walden, Randy Walden, Sam Lake, Lynn Nutt, and Jeff Sullivan.

Jimmy will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love, humor, and warmth will be missed deeply by all who knew him.