James E. Jim Fritts

James Everett "Jim" Fritts, age 72, passed away September 8, 2006 at the Ivy Hall Nursing Home of Elizabethton, Tennessee, following an extended illness. Jim was born on August 7, 1934 in the Neva community of Johnson County, Tennessee where he had lived for most of his life. He was the son of the late Robert B. and Sallie Matheson Fritts of Neva. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Hawkins, and two brothers, Harold and Dwight Fritts. He is survived by two sisters, Nancy Tester and husband, Herman. Betty Hilbert and husband, Sammy, all of Sulphur Springs, Jonesborough, Tennessee; One uncle, Claude Matheson of Neva, Tennessee; One aunt, Una Glick of Wilmington, Delaware; Nieces, Linda Carter, Brenda Isham, and Lisa Hawkins; Nephews, Bobby Gentry, Rob Tester, Roland Tester, and Aaron Hilbert. Twelve grandnieces and nephews and nineteen cousins. He is also survived by a special niece, Amy Boling and husband, Travis of Bluff City, Tennessee Jim was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was a special person who lived life to the fullest. He had survived many challenges with courage and strength. He loved gospel music and participated in many song sessions and was known for his testimony for the Lord. Even as his health declined, he continued to enjoy celebrations and the simple pleasures of each day. He liked people, especially children, and always showed a sincere interest in their well-being. The staff and guests of Ivy Hall Nursing Home were his extended family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral Services for Mr. James E. "Jim" Fritts will be conducted at 2:00pm on Monday, September 11, 2006 from the Charles B. Hux Memorial Chapel of the Hux-Lipford Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Norman and Preacher Travis Boling officiating. Music will be provided by: Victory in Jesus, Rev. Jim Norman and Preacher Travis and Amy Boling. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 prior to the funeral services at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery following funeral services. Honorary Pallbearers will be friends of Ivy Hall Nursing Home. Pallbearers will be: Bob Osborne, Victor Deloach, Steve Tester, Chuck Walker, George Hodge, Bill Wilson, Steve Hodge, and Roby Dunn. The family is very grateful to Judy and Victor Deloach, and the staff and residents of Ivy Hall Nursing Home for their many acts of kindness and loving care shown to Jim over the last seven years. Condolences may be sent to this family through our website, www.hux-lipford.com. Arrangements for Mr. James E. "Jim" Fritts are in the care of Hux-Lipford Funeral Home of Mountain City, Tennessee.