Jim McNelly Obituary, Death – Jim McNelly, 88, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on December 16, 2022. Jim was born on January 23, 1934, in Rockwood, Tennessee. After graduating from Rockwood High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and spent the next four years participating in the Korean War. On May 26, 1955, Jim and Pat Morgan McNelly married and became husband and wife. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Jim worked as the Chattanooga News Free Press’s Classified Ad Manager for 42 years. He was an active member of Soddy Daisy First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, assisted with the Benevolence Program, and visited homebound persons. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting in his spare time.
Jim will be remembered for his legacy as a devout Christian and for his compassion for people in need. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Judy Campbell, and brother, Johnny McNelly, as well as his father, Ethel McNelly. Jim’s wife, Pat, and his children, Steve (Susan) McNelly of Birchwood, Tennessee, Dale (Lori) McNelly of Chattanooga, Kevin (Gina) McNelly of Chattanooga, and DeAnn (Bill) Swan of Signal Mountain, survive him. Jim and Pat McNelly have 11 grandchildren: Stephen (Bethani) McNelly, Mallori McNelly, Toni McNelly, Chris (Jessica) McNelly, Sandi Brown, Kendall McNelly, Jeffrey (Nicole) McNelly, Jay (Eliza) McNelly, Mei Ling McNelly, Parker Swan, and Mason Swan. They have 11 great grandchildren, a brother named Glen (Gail) McNelly, and two sisters named The Chattanooga National Cemetery will host the private burial service.
On Wednesday, December 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., there will be a visitation at the Legacy Funeral Home, located at 8911 Dallas Hollow Road in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee 37379.
Anyone wishing to commemorate him with a memorial contribution may do so in place of flowers by donating to the Soddy-Daisy First Baptist Church. The McNelly family would like to thank Amedisys – Hospice for the outstanding care that they offered during this difficult time. They would also like to express gratitude to Kimberly Goins for treating Jim as if he were a member of her own family.