James Edward Dennis

Dec. 28, 1940 – June 12, 2023

Jim was born in Memphis, TN to Cecil Edward Dennis and Virginia Lucille Cowart on Dec. 28, 1940. As a young child, his father was hired to work in the in the Manhattan District, Oakridge, TN during WWII and later the family lived in the Mississippi Delta before making Memphis their permanent home. Jim remained in Memphis for the duration of his life.

He graduated from Treadwell High School and later enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Air Force Reserves. He was a graduate of Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas and graduated from University of Tennessee with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Jim’s career in social work included working at the V.A. Hospital in Memphis, Baptist Hospital Rehab Unit., St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Methodist Hospital Hospice.

Jim first married Julia K. Owens and together they had a child, Jason Dennis. He later married Judith (Judy) E. Myers.

Jim’s love of music expanded to singing in the Germantown and Bartlett Choirs. Jim had been a member of the Memphis Chapter o the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. He later learned to play the harmonica. He had a lifelong interest in racecar driving, especially Nascar, Formula One and several others. He also had a collection smoking pipes. The last two interest was shared by his son Jason.

After retiring, Jim explored other interests. His love of and interest in preserving trees led him to become a member of the West Tennessee Chapter, Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.

Jim was an avid reader with an interest in American History and religions of the world. American History was shared by his wife Judy. Their interest in Memphis history led them both to volunteer at Historic Elmwood Cemetery. Jim volunteered as a Docent leading tour groups of school children and groups of interested adults. He later was hired part time as a gardener for Elmwood and continued as a tour guide.

Jim leaves his loving wife of 21 years, Judy (Myers) Dennis and a nephew Jeremy Dennis. He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Edward Dennis and Virginia Lucille Cowart; son Jason Dennis; brother Thomas (Tommy) Dennis and sister Betty Jean Dennis.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Elmwood Cemetery July 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Historic Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, TN.