James W. Tugwell Jr.

Mr. Tugwell, 85, passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 29. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Jean Tugwell, and his three children: Nina (Jerry) Patton, Wesley (Teresa) Tugwell, and Chris (Barbara) Tugwell. Mr. Tugwell also leaves four grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Tugwell, the son of Nina and James Tugwell, was a Navy veteran. He was a founding member of Kingsway Christian Church. He began playing the piano in church at age 11 and went on to become the longtime organist and choir director at both Kingsway and Central Christian Churches, where he also taught Sunday school.

Until his retirement, Mr. Tugwell was the owner of Tugwell Oil Co. Tugwell Oil’s relationship with Esso/Exxon Mobil goes back to 1924 and has remained constant for the last 86 years. Mr. Tugwell’s dad drove a wagon hauling gasoline and kerosene to begin the company and together father and son built gas stations in several counties in West Tennessee.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 3, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., with funeral services at 3 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on Germantown Parkway. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Kingsway Christian Church or King’s Daughters and Sons Home.