James "Jim" Franklin Wagner, age 89, of Alcoa, TN passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Clover Hill Senior Living. James was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for over fifty years. He graduated as valedictorian from Blountville High School, Blountville, TN. He served his country proudly for seven years in the United States Air Force. The early part of his service was spent with the Army of Occupation post-World War II in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1958. He then moved to Knoxville to attend The University of Tennessee graduating in three years with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He worked at T.V.A. for over thirty years, retiring in 1999. Then he spent several more years as a contract engineer with Mesa Associates Inc. He was an active U.T. sports fan since the early '50's, especially an ardent supporter of anything Lady Vols, especially basketball.
James was preceded in passing by his parents Grover and Clestil Wagner; wife, Carolyn Wagner; stepmother, Nancy Wagner; brother, Jess and his wife Lucille.
He leaves behind to carry on his legacy, his loving and dedicated wife of 14 years, Diana Wagner; daughter, Janet Wagner Spangler; brothers, William (Faye) and J.C. (Ursula) Wagner, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; stepsons, Mark (Jamie) Smith and Wayne (Jeanie) Smith.
Family and friends with gather to honor the legacy of James on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church South, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920, with a visitation from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and a funeral service to follow at 7:00pm. Family and friends will gather once more for a committal service on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:00 am at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920, with Dr. Kirby Ownby to officiate the services. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of James to the Benevolent Fund at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. The family would like to thank Clover Hill Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice for the loving care that Jim received from them. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Wagner family at www.berryfuneralhome.com
Berry Funeral Home
3704 Chapman Highway
Knoxville, TN 37920
865-577-6666
