James Bartlett Pemberton Sr., known to many as Jim, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a lengthy illness and a brief stay at Alive Hospice. He was 87.
Born on August 2, 1937, to Marvin and Virginia Pemberton, Jim was raised in Nashville, where he spent nearly all his life and proudly called home. He graduated from Hillsboro High School and went on to attend Memphis State University. Jim also served a short time in the U.S. Army, an experience he valued and carried with him throughout his life.
He built a long and successful career in sales-an industry where he thrived, thanks in large part to his natural charisma and genuine love for people. Jim never met a stranger, and his warm, easygoing nature made lasting impressions on everyone he met.
He was married to Betty, the love of his life for 38 years, a bond filled with deep affection and shared joy, until her passing in 2019. Jim found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved being outdoors, especially when golfing or fishing, and he was a devoted fan of the Tennessee Volunteers-cheering them on in any sport, every chance he got.
At home, he found comfort and companionship in his two beloved cats, Bambi and Shadow, who were never far from his side. He is survived by his sons, Bart (Elizabeth) Pemberton and Brad (Marna) Pemberton; his stepdaughter, Diane (John) Dudney; his brother, Don (Jeanne) Pemberton; grandchildren, Taylor (Lydia) Dudney, Jay Pemberton, Will Pemberton, and Connell Hamilton; and great-grandchildren, Reese and Heath Dudney; and is preceded in death by granddaughter, Paige Dudney Harshaw.
Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and the deep love he had for his family, friends, and furry companions. His legacy of kindness, loyalty, and laughter will live on in all who knew him.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Alive Hospice in honor of Jim Pemberton. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 615-331-1952.
To celebrate Jim’s life and his love for Tennessee, the family invites those attending the service to wear a touch of orange in his memory.
This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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