Jimmy Irvin McGlaughlin

Jim was born in Luxora, Arkansas, but moved to Memphis at a young age. After graduating from Frayser High School, he joined the Air Force and was trained to be a certified aircraft mechanic. It was while he was stationed in New Jersey that he tasted a cake baked for a fellow airman and decided he needed to meet the young lady who made it. Attending a local YMCA dance, he was finally able to meet Jackie, and they married shortly thereafter in Trenton, New Jersey, on June 16, 1962. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Jim worked in construction with his father-in-law and then as a manager for Johnson & Johnson. After living in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for 10 years, they moved to Memphis, where they settled for the next 53 years.

While in Memphis, Jim started his own construction company, was the building and grounds maintenance technician for Frayser Baptist High School, and had his own small engine repair business by the name of “Dr. Tune-Up.” His dedication was evident, as many years after he retired, customers were still calling him for repairs.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Jim loved working on their houses, especially their 100-year-old-plus Midtown house they lived in for almost 40 years. He loved gardening, freely sharing his tomatoes with neighbors, and also loved sports, playing softball and watching Memphis basketball with his sons. Nothing made him happier than to sit outside talking to neighbors, researching his ancestry, and telling some amazing and exciting stories from his past to his children and grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Cecil McGlaughlin, and mother, Mary James. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; two sons, Dan (Debbie) and Jimmy (Karen) McGlaughlin; his eight grandchildren, (Dan) Josh, Matthew, Rachel and Adam Michael, and (Jimmy) Brent (McCarley), Bradley, Julie Davis (Cole), and Ian; four great-grandchildren, (Josh) Cassie McGlaughlin, and (Brent) Denton, Cayson, and Keeton McGlaughlin; and sisters Joyce Todd, and Judy (Jack) Darmstaedter.

His funeral will be held on Friday, October 10, at 9:30 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, located at 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee, 38133. Burial will be at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery located at 4000 Forrest Hill Irene Road immediately following.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.