Jim Upchurch

James Samuel “Jim” Upchurch, 99, of Chattanooga, the oldest and last surviving child of William Washington and Ovie Elizabeth Parker Upchurch went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

He was born July 25, 1911 in Dothan, Alabama. “Jim” married Mary Frances Kemp in August of 1936. She preceded him in death after 61 years of marriage. The family moved from Boaz, Alabama to Chattanooga in 1958. “Jim” was a member and deacon emeritus of Bartlebaugh Baptist Church, a member and past Master of Harrison Masonic Lodge, a member and past patron of Harrison Order of Eastern Star. He was also a member of Birchwood Senior Neighbors.

He is survived by his three sons, James W. (Sue) Upchurch, Donald Marston (Mary Jane) Upchurch, and Coy Wayne (Joann) Upchurch; daughter Barbara (Raymond) Ewing; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Delyn Holder, Janice Payne and Sarah Haddock.

He was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank Doctor Pollard and all the nurses and staff at Memorial Northpark Hospital and the Doctor, nurses and staff at NHC and Hospice for the tender loving care of their beloved father.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 pm on Friday and 1 to 2:30 pm on Saturday at the North Chapel.

Services for “Jim” will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday at the North Chapel with Rev. Don Ferguson and Rev. Morrell Upchurch officiating. A Masonic services will follow in the chapel on Saturday. Burial will follow in Bartlebaugh Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in ‘Jim’s” name to the building fund at Bartlebaugh Baptist Church, 6129 Champion Road, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.