James "Jim" Vandergriff

After graduation, Jim went to work for the First National Bank in Atlanta, GA where he called on commercial accounts lending money in the S.E. for many years and later becoming a successful entrepreneur and owning several businesses in the Knoxville area. One of Jim's greatest joys in life was to make someone smile or laugh. Many will remember his offbeat sense of humor, his corny jokes, and his famous one liners.

Jim was preceded in death by his late spouse and the mother of his children, Lyn Vandergriff and by his son, James Jr. "Jimmy" Vandergriff. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Stuart Vandergriff, Sr. and sisters, Nellie Mae, Charlotte and Mary.

He is survived by Ann, his wife of 13 years; brother, Stuart Vandergriff, Jr.; sister, Evelyn (Glenn) Conger; daughter, Missy (Mike) Smith; daughter-in-law, Traci Vandergriff; grandchildren, Joshua and Chelsea Edmonds and Ashelyn Vandergriff; great grandchildren, Summer and Isaiah Edmonds; several nieces and nephews and special person in his life, Helen Purdom. His strong love of family also extended to his Buffat Heights Baptist Church family, having been a member there since 1980. When he met and married Ann in 2008, he embraced her children, Jennifer (Jim) Turner and Chris Lee and was thrilled to become "Papaw" to Jack, Audrey and Charlotte Turner.

Family will receive friends Friday, April 15th from 5-7pm at Buffat Heights Baptist Church, 2800 Mill Road. Knoxville, TN 37924 with funeral service following at 7pm. Rev. Dave Thomas officiating. Graveside service will take place Saturday, April 16th, meeting at Greenwood Cemetery, 3500 Tazewell Pike Knoxville, TN 37918 at 12:45pm for a 1pm service with committal to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Buffat Heights Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Vandergriff family.