James Lessley “Bear” McCutchen of Bartlett, Tennessee, was born on September 12, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama. After struggling with Parkinson’s for a number of years, Jim passed away on April 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 80. He was married to Janet Williams McCutchen on August 6, 1976. Jim is a graduate of Memphis Technical High School, Northwest Community College in Senatobia, Memphis State, and the University of Memphis.
Bear became a teacher, coach, and administrator for Memphis City Schools. He had a great impact on many students! He worked in several capacities at a number of schools.
Airways Jr. High Teacher and Coach
Ridgeway High School Teacher and Coach
Overton High School Teacher and Coach
Memphis Middle College Administrator
East High School Administrator
Ridgeway High School Administrator
In addition to his career as an educator, he served in both the Air Force and Air National Guard, and he was a draftsman. Additionally, he was a part-time dually sworn police officer for Galloway Police Department, and a student pilot. His greatest joy for many years was racing dragsters! He was in on the ground floor of making the NHRA a national sport. He was also a longtime member of the Memphis Rodders Club. His spare time was dedicated to his grandchildren, Hannah and Callie, his cabin on the Tennessee River, and his dog, Pooh Bear (predeceased). He volunteered as a greeter at Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis, and he also took great pride in volunteering at the FedEx/St. Jude Classic for many years. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Sony Lockhart, his wife, Roberta Lockhart, and his aunt and uncle, Aileen McCutchen Lockhart and Julius A. Lockhart.
Jim McCutchen is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janet Williams McCutchen. He is also survived by his son, Michael Misenheimer, his daughter-in-law, Shelly Misenheimer, his granddaughters, Hannah Misenheimer and Callie Misenheimer and many, many beloved friends!
The services for James Lessley McCutchen will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at Memphis Funeral Home at 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 9 AM followed by the funeral services at 10 AM with interment on the grounds.
In lieu of flowers, Bear would love donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital!
