James Francis Liles, 85, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023. He was born and grew up in Memphis, TN and attended Little Flower School, Christian Brothers High School, and Christian Brothers College. He joined the Navy after college and achieved rank as a Lieutenant JG. He served as a supply officer. While stationed in Norfolk, VA he was introduced to Karen Causey after Sunday Mass. They soon married and had their first child. They moved to Memphis in 1963. James worked as a Certified Public Accountant and he also taught accounting at Christian Brothers College for a time and coached the bowling team. They went to the NAIA Championship 3 years.
James enjoyed doing individual and business tax returns and built up a small accounting practice. He truly enjoyed his interactions with his many clients. James was an avid golfer, enjoyed tennis and bowling, playing bridge, and coaching and refereeing soccer for several years. He had fond memories being “Coach Liles” at St. Ann. He was a long time member at St. Ann Catholic Parish and served on the Finance Council and sang in the choir. James was proud of donating over 17 gallons of blood to Lifeblood during his lifetime. He was a loving father and “Grandpere” and will be very missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife Karen Liles, his parents Charles and Mary “Ola” Liles, and an older brother Charles Liles. He has 3 surviving siblings, Ann Berry, Robert Liles, and Linda Theriot. He is survived by his two daughters, Margaret Woods (Mark) and Sherri Kreher. He has 5 grandchildren, Christine, Tyler, Nathan, Amelia, and Zachary, and 2 great-grandchildren, Korbyn and Paxton.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, Bartlett, with a Visitation on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Family Funeral Care, Memphis. Burial will be at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Please send any memorials to Catholic Charities of West TN or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
