Jimmy Eugene Strickland, age 89, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Artie and Walter Strickland, Jimmy was one of fourteen children - seven sisters and six brothers. Growing up in humble circumstances, Jimmy learned the value of hard work early by folding tomato boxes at the local farmers market—a job that would ultimately shape the course of his life.
In 1957, Jimmy moved to Nashville to manage a packing house. The following year, he met the love of his life, Annie, while she was working at Speedy’s Grill. They married in 1960 and shared 58 devoted years together until her passing in 2018.
Jimmy’s professional journey took him from a floor sweeper to being one of the owners of Strickland Produce and creator of Strickland Supreme Salads. A true pioneer in retail-packaged salads, his business earned national recognition. Known for his extraordinary business intuition, Jimmy built his reputation on honesty, fairness, and dependability. While produce was what he sold, people were what he truly invested in, always valuing relationships over transactions.
Above all, Jimmy loved the Lord and lived his faith daily. A long-time member of Gateway Church of the Nazarene, he was deeply loved by his congregation and spent the very last day of his life welcoming people at the church door.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie Strickland; and son, Charles Strickland. He leaves behind a rich legacy through his son, Walter Strickland (Patricia); daughter, Teresa Bishop (Danny); daughter-in-law, Cheryl Strickland; grandchildren Sabrina Richey (James), Alicia Lampkin (Lucas), Lauren Williams (Wesley), Amanda Umphrey (Eric), Matthew Strickland (Catherine); great-grandchildren Ryder, Isla, Lainey and Isabella; bonus grandchildren Heather Bishop Cantalupi (Steve), Justin Bishop (Tiffany); and bonus great-grandchildren Avery, Charlotte, Harper, Nathan, Laela, Ethan, Kaladyn and Evelyn. His integrity, faith, and love for others will be forever missed.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Gateway Community Church, 584 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN, on November 14, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 pm. Committal will take place on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:00 am, in the Garden of Memories at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN.
In lieu of flowers, in Jimmy's memory, please consider taking a gift to, or spending time with, a shut-in. His integrity, faith, and love for others will be forever missed. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Strickland family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.
