James Lee Gentry, 82, of Jasper, Tennessee, died at his home on Friday, December 20, 2019.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on September 15, 1937, to Abb Hembree Gentry and Mary Agnes Riggle Gentry, Jim was educated in South Pittsburg, Tennessee and graduated in 1955 from the Tennessee Military Institute. Soon after completing his high school education, he joined the 566th Artillery Unit of the Tennessee Army National Guard where he served as Ammunition Sergeant. He attended The University of Georgia and received a certificate in Automotive Management from Oglethorpe University.

Jim worked full-time at Gentry Chevrolet when he was not in college or in training with the National Guard. He actually sold his first car at the age of 12. He had an opportunity to receive his officer's commission in the National Guard in 1963 but chose instead to join his father full-time at the family's auto dealership founded in 1932. He became half-owner of the company in 1972 and following the death of his father in 1979 he became the sole owner. Jim moved the company from its original location in South Pittsburg, Tennessee to a larger facility in Kimball, Tennessee in 1985 - a move that allowed him room to display his patriotism in iconic fashion with a giant American flag that continues to fly over the dealership to this day.

In addition to the Chevrolet franchise, Jim added franchises for Pontiac, Buick, and GMC. The company was the recipient of numerous Best in Class awards for the Chattanooga area and Jim was awarded many trips from the various auto companies in recognition of Gentry's success. He continued to work at the dealership until health concerns forced him to retire and sell the business that had been in existence for 86 years.
Jim was a member and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church and was also active in many civic and community organizations. He was a member of the Tri-County Development Association, as former president of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, former member and past president of the South Pittsburg Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), and a former vice-president of the Tennessee Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a founder of Citizen's State Bank and a member and supporter of the Siskin 365 Club. He was a long-time member of the South Pittsburg Rotary Club and had been named a Paul Harris Fellow by his peers in the club. He was a charter member of the Society of the Confederacy and an active member of the Marion County Christian Businessman's Association. He was named to the Advisory Board of the American Security Council, served as a member of the Inner Circle as an advisor to the United States Senate and Congress, and was named a Tennessee Statesman by former Governor Lamar Alexander. He was also appointed by President George Bush as the 56th member of his Presidential Task Force.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Abb and Mary Agnes Gentry, and his sister, Mary Sue Gentry Haverty.

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Wanda Barker Gentry; children, Melanie Barker (Happy) Huddleston of Hixson, Tennessee, Tom Edward (Gayla) Thomas of Kimball, Tennessee, and Mary Catherine Gentry of Chattanooga, Tennessee; beloved grandson, James Preston "Jimmy" Huddleston; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. Central time (3:30 p.m. Eastern) at Jasper First Baptist Church, 108 West 3rd Street, Jasper, Tennessee with Rev. Greg Steele officiating. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper, Tennessee. Pallbearers will be Matthew Rogers, Eric Higgins, Scott Hawkins, Jeff Sullivan, Chip Martin, Larry Haynes, Ben Cagle, and Bill McCallie. Honorary pallbearers will be Leonard Wynne, Ed Fuller, Forrester Rogers, Bill Hullender, Jennifer Austin, Clifford Layne, Wayne Fricks, Billy Simpson, Graham Swafford, Paul Wayne Evans, Jimmy Blevins, and all past Gentry Chevrolet, Buick, GMC employees.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Central time (5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Eastern) at Rogers Funeral Home, 21 East 5th Street, Jasper, Tennessee. The body will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 12 Noon until service time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Jasper First Baptist Church, 108 West 3rd Street, Jasper, Tennessee 37347.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Rogers Funeral Home, 21 East 5th Street, Jasper, Tennessee 37347 (423-942-2682).