James Warren Street, Jr. (Jimmy) passed away at his home May 25, on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. He was born on October 13, 1947 at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee to James Warren Street, Sr. and Clara Wyatt Street. He attended Messick School from 1st-12th grade, alongside his seven siblings, in the Buntyn Neighborhood near University of Memphis. He held city records in track and field during high school. He was drafted to Vietnam in October of 1966 and bravely served through October 1968. After returning from Vietnam he worked with family and then for Nat Buring Packing Company. In 1970 he married his high school sweetheart Debra Wiggs at Pendleton Presbyterian Church & had their first daughter, Lisa, in September of 1972. He attended Shelby State Community College earning an Associates Degree in Fire Science while working for the Shelby County Fire Department in 1973. On his days off from the Fire Department he ran a painting business with his father, Jimmy Sr. He welcomed 2 more daughters, Jill Marie in 1976 and Kristy Ann in 1983.
He participated in the World Police and Fire Games track and field division in 1991. He served on the Shelby County Fire Department for 32 years where he made lifelong friends and helped save many lives. He loved spending time with his six granddaughters, Macee, Abbey, Katie, Ashle, Julie & McCartney listening to them sing and sharing stories. He loved music, people, coffee, good conversation and helping others. He truly had a giving spirit and was loved by all. He was a great father, husband, grandfather, brother, friend, son and was SO very proud of his “10 girls”. He loved all his siblings and family dearly. He loved life and will truly be missed. He was a proud provider for his family. He was lighthearted and wished for everyone to laugh and be happy. His repeat jokes and one-liners will go down in history. If you knew him, you know.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Debbie Street, 3 Daughters, Lisa Street, NP of Memphis, TN, Jill Horner and husband Billy Horner of Collierville, Kristy Gipson and husband Dr. Stephen Gipson of Memphis, 6 granddaughters Macee, Abbey, Katie, Ashle, & Julie Horner of Collierville and McCartney Gipson of Memphis, Siblings Louis Wetmore & wife Julia of Hickory, North Carolina, Jane Hester of Collierville, TN, Carloyn Burkett of Southaven, Ginny Vaughan & husband Robert Vaughan of Eads, TN, Kim Stubblefield and husband Keith Stubblefield of Collierville, TN, Close Cousins Zack Street, Sr and John Walker, Numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, family friends and his pet dog Roxy.
He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father James W Street, Sr and Clara Wyatt Street, brother, Artist Gordon Wetmore of Signal Mountain, TN, brother Lieutenant Firefighter Art Street of Oakland, TN, sister-in-law Judy Schleif of Fountain Hills, AZ and In-laws Herbert and Annabelle Wiggs and numerous family pets.
Celebration of Life Visitation and Service will be held at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar beginning at 1pm on Sunday May 30th, graveside at Memorial Park Cemetery at 3pm and reception at Memphis Funeral Home 3-5pm.
He would be so proud to see you there.
