The night sky in our part of the world got a little darker on Monday November 25, 2019. One of the brightest stars in our galaxy, Josh Jennings, passed away after a brief illness.

Josh was preceded in death by his father, Billy Jennings, and his grandfather, Joe Buck Davis. He is survived by his wife, Layne Price Jennings, his mother and step father, Donna Davis Jennings Alexander and Jim Alexander; his grandmothers, Ms. Reba Webb Davis and Ms. Robbie Jennings, grandfather, Cecil Jennings, Jr., father and mother-in-law, Les and Pat Price; aunts and uncles Sandra Weaver (Jon), Reba Miller (Charlie), Mike Davis, Scott Davis (Shelley); sisters-in-law, Sarah Price Jones (Chris), Susan Price, and Jenny Price; cousins Jeff Miller, Courtney Miller, Melanie Akins, Bailey Davis, and Alex Davis; nieces, Jackson Jones and Austin Jones.

Josh was born in Chattanooga August 30, 1983. His first years were spent in Lookout Valley, then moving to Marion County where he attended Jasper Middle School. He ultimately graduated, with honors, from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy.

At an early age, Josh had chosen his career path, to be a mortician. This was probably not the norm for a teenager, but with his focus and determination, he made his dream a reality. A graduate of the John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science, Josh spent his early career at Chattanooga Funeral Home. He managed Tate Funeral Home, Jasper, for several years. In 2011 Josh and partners Ralph Mosier and Burt Schaerer, developed Hamilton Funeral Home. Hamilton Funeral Home is an extraordinary example of Josh's commitment, talent, and drive to succeed. Hamilton is highly respected, locally owned, and offers the ultimate in compassionate service to grieving families.

In 2018, Josh's funeral group purchased Rogers Funeral Home. Rogers has been a tradition in South Pittsburg and Jasper since 1925. Through Josh's active management, Rogers has continued to thrive with the same dignity and compassion, in newly remodeled facilities.

As successful as Josh was at business it only pales in comparison to his social and community involvements. Josh was a passionate democrat who loved politics. He was voted Marion County Democratic Party Chair, the youngest person to hold that office. Josh was elected as Alderman for the Town of Jasper, where he has worked tirelessly to improve his community. Though often frustrated by the glacial speed of politics, Josh's commitment to improve the quality of life for all he served cannot be questioned.

Josh nearly single handedly revitalized the Jasper Lions Club. A club of less than 20 members has grown to over 50 through his active leadership. His willingness to get involved, supply new ideas and lead by example gives everyone the courage and confidence to get the job done. His vision of lighting the town square and providing a free Halloween festival for the children of the community resulted in the creation of the Jasper Lions Club Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree in 2016. The event exceeded expectations in its inaugural year and continues to grow each year; 2019 attendance was estimated at 5,000 people. Josh has been awarded the highest honor of Lionism, The Melvin Jones Fellowship. Josh was recently honored as Marion County 2019 Citizen of the Year by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce. He has been voted Best Funeral Director & Best Funeral Home in the Marion County News several years running. He was also honored as Best Politician and Best Civic Club President.

All of these accolades were well deserved and received most humbly. Josh never met a stranger. His winning personality, quick wit and ready sense of humor served him well. He was always ready with a story or an amusing anecdote, and not afraid to laugh at himself.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Nashville Chapter, 4538 Trousdale Drive Nashville, TN 37204 or Jasper Lions Club/Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree, PO Box 655 Jasper, TN 37347.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29th from 2:00 - 8:00 pm Central Time at Rogers Funeral Home, Jasper Chapel, 21 East 5th Street, Jasper, TN 37347. Also Saturday, November 30th from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 pm Central Time at McKendree United Methodist Church, 106 Hwy 150, Jasper, TN 37347.

A Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 pm Central Time at the church.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.

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