Born in Chattanooga, Jim was a graduate of Tyner High School (Class of ‘67) and Middle Tennessee State University. He was part of the 2008 Inaugural Tyner High School Hall of Fame and also attended Castle Heights Military Academy. He grew up at Tyner United Methodist Church and attended Christ United Methodist Church as well as Silverdale Apison.
During Jim’s time at MTSU, he was named First Team All-OVC and Second Team All-OVC both years as a guard for the Blue Raiders football team. In 1971, he served as co-captain of the team which touted him as a bona fide All American that year. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was also part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity - Tennessee Beta Chapter.
Jim worked as a teacher in the Rockdale (GA) County Schools and then over 30 years as a teacher in Hamilton County, serving most of that time at East Ridge Middle School. He coached football, wrestling, track, and girls’ soccer.
Jim also served as the Tennessee Technology Education Association (TTEA) Board of Directors - East Vice President from 1999 - 2001. In 1999, he was named the Tennessee Tech Ed Teacher of the Year as well as the National TSA Advisor of the Year.
Jim was always curious about people. He was a loyal friend and was always traveling to visit them and having get-togethers to reminisce. He never met a stranger and was always interested in your story. He was so kind, loving, and compassionate.
Jim and his beloved wife Sharon of 34 years loved to travel together. He often created fun road trips across the US. As a blended family, they cultivated a loving home for their children. Daughter, Cynthia (Jay) Inglis Dale, Jimmy (Megan) Inglis, and Misty Reece. While Jim loved his children immensely, his grandchildren stole his heart. Jordan Wallace, Emma and Caroline Dale, and Olivia Inglis were equally as in love with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Myrtle Boss Inglis, and his brother Felix Inglis.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret Inglis Officer of Franklin, TN along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Hearth Hospice for their support and loving care during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MTSU Athletics department in honor of Jim at https://mtsubraa.com (Click "Give" to donate.)
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, March 2nd and Monday, March 3rd from 1-2 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel.
A Celebration on Jim’s life will follow at 2 pm on Monday, March 3 at the North Chapel. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
