Dr. James (Jim) Chancey Lett, 87, son of William and Stella Lett, born August, 3, 1931 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away August 19, 2018, peacefully. Dr. Lett graduated from Central High School, in Knoxville, TN, and received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Tennessee Medical School Memphis. He was the first doctor to treat a patient in the emergency room of The University of Tennessee Medical Center and served as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy. His adoring wife of 54 years, Mary Gilmer Lett and their son, John preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons James, Jr. (Anne), Jeffrey (Alexa), granddaughter, Sadie and many friends, family and the beloved “cousins” group. Dr. Lett served as Chief of Surgery at Putnam County Hospital (Greencastle, IN) Trinity Hospital (Erin, TN) and General Surgeon at Polk County Hospital (Bartow, FL). He was a member of the American Board of Surgery and the American College of Surgeons for fifty years. He served as President of the Putnam County American Cancer Society and Board of Education. He was honored with the Houston County Tennessee Board of Trustees ‘Citizen of the Year’. He served as President of the Erin, TN and Putnam County, IN Rotary Clubs and was honored with the Erin “Rotarian of the Year”. Many boards, church offices, along with Stephen Ministry of Knoxville, experienced his leadership. He was an avid ‘Vol for Life’ and former member of the UT Alumni Association. He created an endowment fund with the University of Tennessee intended to fund the education of a medically bound student athlete. Dr. Lett’s most recent passion was to the board of Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS). Due to his dedication, the board of directors named “The Dr. James C. Lett Endowment Fund” in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to SCHAS (schas.org/donate) or Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 4 – 7 pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive and Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, 9132 Kingston Pk., Knoxville, TN 37923 from 9 – 11 am. A celebration of his life will follow at the church at 11 am. Rev. Clay Harrington and Rev. Mark Hicks officiating. Entombment will be a private family gathering. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com.
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