Jamie Sue Cross

Jamie Sue Cross died on September 18, 2025 at age 63. She grew up in Knoxville, both on the northwest and south sides. She was active in the sports and recreation communities her entire life. She developed a reputation as a spitfire early, with her tomboy nature and athletic giftedness. Jamie excelled in basketball, despite her small stature, and played softball on an all-city team at an early age. Later in life, she officiated high school- and college-level basketball and softball. She graduated from South-Young High School and, after a brief stint in the Army, when she sustained serious foot injuries, earned her bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University. She worked in the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department for nearly four decades. Jamie traveled to Europe several times, visiting her brother and a friend stationed overseas. She loved University of Tennessee football, the Lady Vols, cars, and dogs. She was the owner of Lesh’s Dog Grooming for 10 years. Jamie was a generous soul. At different times in her life, she cared for her elderly father, her disabled sister, and her niece with a disabled son. She touched the lives of many, as she provided a sympathetic shoulder or clear-eyed advice to youths at the recreation centers and pools she managed over the years.

Jamie was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Eva Cross, and sister, Karen Cross.

She leaves behind her sister Lisa Senesac (spouse Larry), brother Tracy Cross (spouse Jennifer), numerous nephews, nieces, great-nieces, and extraordinary and steadfast friends Anita Beets, Monique Wagner, Danyell Schoene and their families.

The family will celebrate Jamie's life in a private gathering at a later date. Donations in memory of Jamie can be made to Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919. (https://www.young-williams.org/support/)