James Newton Mabry

James Newton Mabry, age 97, died peaceably July 26, 2017 after a very brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to everyone. Born in 1920, he was the son of Minnie Myrtle Mabry and James Walter Mabry, with siblings Marshel Hugh Mabry, Margaret Mabry (Spurgeon), and Mary Mabry (Beasley). He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years and the love of his life, Grayce Morgan Mabry. He is survived by daughters Pam Gracey (Hugh), Marilyn Hinton (Kem); grandchildren Sarah Schulz (Josh), Hugh Gracey III (Lisa), Thomas James Hinton; and great-grandchildren Elle Schulz, Emma Schulz, Morgan Gracey, and Duke Gracey. Jim graduated from Loretto High School in 1937. He worked at the City Drug Store in Lawrenceburg until WWII. At that time he joined the Tennessee State Guard and later enlisted in the US Navy. After training at Great Lakes and based in San Diego, he served during the war on Guadalcanal Island as a member of MOB 8. Honorably discharged after the war, he returned to Lawrenceburg and in 1946 married Grayce. They lived and worked in Nashville until he (and later Grayce) were hospitalized for Tuberculosis. After 2 ½ years Jim, Grayce and daughter, Pam moved to Albuquerque, NM. They returned to Nashville where Jim attended Andrew Jackson Business University. He received a Bachelor of Accounts degree while employed at Castner Knotts, and then worked for the Internal Revenue Service until he retired in 1980. Jim had many interests. He was a member of Crievewood United Methodist Church where he participated in diverse activities including the Men's Club, Church Treasurer, Church Board, and various other committees. A church member once told him that he expected to see Jim in heaven painting the "Pearly Gates" as he had painted so many parts of CWUMC. When retired he greatly enjoyed playing golf, watching sports, rooting for Vandy, “fixing things”, fishing, boating, gardening, attending MOB 8 reunions and traveling with Grayce. They loved their trips to the west and to Florida. Jim cherished and was so proud of all of his family. He loved his church, his home and his friends. Jim was truly a part of the “Greatest Generation”. A Celebration of Life will be held at one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Crievewood UMC. Visitation to begin at eleven o'clock until the service. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Pall bearers will include, Barry Coggins, Hugh Gracey III, T. J. Hinton, Josh Shultz, and Kevin Walkup. Honorary Pall Bearers are the “Builders Class” of Crievewood United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crievewood United Methodist Church, 451 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220. The family would like to thank the caregivers, Ella Dunn, Tammy McWright and Reba Brinkman of Senior Helpers for their loving care and friendship at home, the staff of NHC Place at the Trace and the staff at St. Thomas West Hospital.