James C. Pierce

James Clinton "Jim'' Pierce passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on February 7, 2023. He was born on January 29, 1926, to Frank Allen Pierce and Alice Henry Pierce in Chattanooga Tennessee, where he resided his entire life. Mr. Pierce was a graduate of East Lake Elementary School, Tyner Junior High School, Tyner High School and Mackenzie Business College. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he honorably served his country from March 1944 to May 1946. For about 19 of these months, he played clarinet and saxophone in various Army Air Force Bands. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railway (formerly the Southern Railway) on August 31, 1987, after almost 40 years of service.

Mr. Pierce was a member of Tyner Methodist Church for most of his life and attended the Frank A. Pierce Sunday school class. Back in the day, he served as president of both the Delta Nu Alpha Traffic Fraternity and Chattanooga Traffic Club. He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Brotherhood of Music and the Carl Levi Band- having played with such noted local musicians as Mr. Levi, Jim Wilson, Jay Craven, and Dot Wade. An avid and skilled golfer, he served as president of the Brainerd Golf Club in 1960.

Mr. Pierce was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was known for his friendly nature and love of God, his family, and his country. His children and grandchildren are extremely grateful for his loving support, integrity, and generosity, as well as his model of a strong work ethic and service with excellence during his lifetime.

Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Juanita Zimmerman Pierce; his parents; his brothers, Frank A. Pierce Jr., and Robert Benjamin “Bob” Pierce; and his sisters, Margaret Helen Miller and Dorothy Evelyn “Moppy” Ray.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Clinton “Sandy” Pierce; son, James Bradley “Brad” Pierce (Mari Kay); granddaughters, Lindsey Pierce Sentef (Matt) and Sidney Pierce Ware (Clayton); great-granddaughter, Sadie Katherine Sentef; sister, Mildred Alice “Midge” Theodore, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 1-3 pm on Friday, February 10, 2023. The memorial service will take place on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 3pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Michael Savadge officiating. Burial will follow at the Tyner Cemetery.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the Pierce family at: www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.

The family gives special thanks to the staffs of the Martin Boyd Christian Home and Adoration Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving kindness to Mr. Pierce.

Arrangements by the Valley View Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.