James Felton Pugh, age 85, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Germantown, Tennessee. He was born in Possum Neck, Mississippi and lived in many areas of Mississippi during his childhood. Jim was a graduate of Tunica High School and Christian Brothers University.
Pugh was a Veteran of the United States Army, and began his career with the Memphis Police Department in 1961 and served 36 years. During his time with MPD, Pugh advanced through the department. Pugh was the Supervisor at the old North Precinct at 128 Adams in 1975, and was selected to attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in summer of 1975. Pugh was the original organizer of the Memphis Police Department TACT Unit in January 1976. Afterwards, Pugh served as a one of the commanding officers of the West Precinct, and later transferred to the MPD Aviation Unit where he served as commanding officer of the Aviation Unit, Harbor Patrol, and Mounted Police. During his time with the Aviation Unit, Pugh earned his flight wings and retired as a Major in 1997.
Jim was an active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, an avid fisherman, and loved being outdoors. His hobbies include exercising, gardening, traveling with his wife, and watching Cardinals baseball and Memphis Tigers basketball. After retirement Jim enjoyed fishing the FLW tournament for many years.
Jim is survived by his wife Jane B. Pugh, his children Leslie Northam (Brian), James Pugh (Candice), Matthew Pugh (Pamela), Terry Ramos (Kathy), and Tim Ramos, (Becky); 11 grandchildren, Rachel Northam (Laura), Hannah Dixon (Alden), James Pugh Jr., (Emily), Dianna Pugh, Abigail Pugh, Jonathan Pugh (Tori), Noah Pugh, Brandon Johnson, Matthew Pugh Jr. (Hailey), Jacob Pugh (Molly), and Paige Ramos, as well 10 great-children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Brock Pugh and Janie Mae Pugh, and two brothers, Walter Pugh and Charles Pugh. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 2040 Kirby Road, Memphis, TN on Thursday, March 14th. Visitation at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am. Committal service will follow at 1:00 pm at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Jude or the charity of your choice.
