Jim’s love for his family and role of husband, daddy, granddaddy, and great grandpa gave him great joy.
Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1955 in active duty during the Korean War. He was stationed in Europe and received a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Occupational Medal.
Jim and Martha enjoyed extensive travel both locally and abroad with trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Jerusalem; just to mention a few.
He was a loyal member of Grimes Memorial Methodist Church before it consolidated with Mullins United Methodist Church.
He was an avid fan of Memphis Tigers Basketball and he and Martha were season ticket holders for many years.
Jim retired from MLG&W with 35 years of service. While at MLG&W, he was a lineman and later became a crew leader. This is where he acquired the nickname Scrap. During his time at MLG&W, he helped keep the lights on, and even traveled with work crews to other cities when they had weather disasters such as tornados or an ice storm. After retiring, he worked with Tim Cannon of Sunrise dealership and Teresa Cannon with Baptist Home Health.
He developed a passion for gardening at Shelby Farms garden section where he made lifelong friends and enjoyed sharing his produce with neighbors.
He was predeceased by his parents, his son, J. Mark Sledge MD, sister, Martha Crunk, and brothers, Bobby and Alvin Sledge.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Martha, of 67 years; one daughter, Donna (Wayne); 3 grandchildren, Jonathan, Katie, and Ryan (CJ); 5 great grandchildren, Luke, Cooper, Connor, Hayden, Cora; and a special grand-dog, Beck!
The visitation for Jim will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, followed by a funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM. A private burial will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024.
The family request in lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Charlottes Queen City Adaptive Recreation, 2116 Annecy Dr., Matthews, NC 28105
Hope For Paws, 3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #140, Studio City, CA 91604
