James Edward Lackey's Obituary
James Edward Lackey, affectionately known as “Pop, 82, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Joseph L. Lackey, Sr. and Cora B. Green Lackey. He was the third born of four sons. He joined St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church at the age of twelve under the pastorship of Reverend Ed Angel. He was a devoted and faithful member for many decades. Throughout the years, James served in several capacities at the church. He was an ordained Deacon and later served as Chairman of the Deacon Board. He was a member of the Male Chorus, taught Teacher’s Meeting and Bible Study, and was a Men’s Sunday School Teacher. He was a powerful prayer warrior and mentored many people in their walk with Christ. James was known to have a big sense of humor but would tell you the hard truth even when you didn’t want to hear it. He was always immaculate in his appearance and his high school classmates remember him attempting to keep from getting dirty. He was a proud graduate of the Class of 1958 at Howard High School. James later enlisted in the United States Army. He served his nation proudly as a SPC/E4. He fondly spoke of serving time in Germany and visiting Copenhagen when he was on leave. He was honorably discharged and received the Sharpshooter Badge. James was a hard worker from an early age. He often would tell the story of how he did not want a “hand-me-down” bike from his older brothers, so he did odd jobs to buy his own bike. He would recall the times that he worked as a young man in the restaurant of the Drake Motel. He also worked for Andy Trotter Pontiac. He retired after many years of working for the Mueller Company. James married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Lawson, on July 29,1967. Together, they raised their son. Their home was always a place of happiness, laughter, and entertainment. He and Nancy would open their home to all their family and friends. Everyone looked forward to their open invitation to swim when the pool opened each summer. James enjoyed working in his yard and meticulously planned the planting of his flowerbeds each season at both his homes on Robbins Street and Maywood Lane. James was a grill master. His ribs were legendary. He loved music and had an extensive album collection which included all the great jazz, blues, and gospel artists of the past century. A few of his favorites were Lou Donaldson, Roberta Flack, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Joe Williams. After some convincing, he adapted to listening to music with “Alexa”. He would often ask us to listen to songs by Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock and Donnie McClurkin. Ella Fitzgerald’s “These Are The Blues” album was always on heavy rotation. His last request was to hear songs by Mahalia Jackson. He said, “She can just sing and didn’t need any help.” You could always find James in his favorite recliner viewing ESPN shows daily. He watched sports year-round, but his absolute favorite was basketball. He was always excited to watch March Madness and the NBA Finals. He was very happy to see the Denver Nuggets capture the NBA Championship this year because they had never won. When baseball season started, he would cheer for the Atlanta Braves and proudly wore their “A” hats all the time.
After the passing of his wife, his Goddaughter, Julie L. Sanders became his full-time caregiver. On her first day of managing his household, he sternly informed her “My wife didn’t cook food for me out of a can.” Over the years, they laughed, debated, and watched sports together while navigating life without their beloved Nancy. During this time, God laid on Mike Wadel’s heart to support James. Mike felt James had a burden being without Nancy and thought maybe James would benefit from a group of men gathering around him during this difficult time. The initial thought was to meet once a month or periodically, but they bonded so well that the group met every Monday for over 8 years. “The Brothers” consisted of men from all walks of life. Yet the one thing they all had in common was their love for Christ and their desire to grow spiritually as men all while providing meaningful companionship to James. Mike said, “We came to minister to him, and he ended up being a blessing to all of us.” James poured so much into others, but his grandchildren had his heart. His greatest pride and joy came from being Pop to “Big Time” and “Lil’ James”. He spent a great deal of time talking and pouring into Usher and James because he wanted them to be strong men of integrity who loved the Lord. He was very proud of them both in their career accomplishments and aspirations, always expressing interest in their many projects. Most importantly, he always encouraged them to be dedicated and nurturing fathers to their children. James was equally proud of Nia whom he affectionately called “Miss Estelle”. He delighted in all her educational achievements and transition to living in New York City. James was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 46 years, Nancy Lackey; oldest brother, Joseph L. Lackey, Jr., brother and sisters-in-law, George and Dorothy Terrell, and Olivia Boyd; and dear friend, Freddie Warren, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory: caregiver and Goddaughter, Julie L. Sanders; son, Johnny D. Lackey; brothers, Johnny R. Lackey and William C. Lackey; grandchildren, Usher Raymond, IV, James A. Lackey, and Nia Estelle Sanders; great-grandchildren, Usher Raymond, V, Naviyd Ely Raymond, Star Lake Lackey, Sovereign Bo Nancy Raymond, and Sire Castrello Raymond; special niece and nephew, Valerie Lackey and Todd Lackey; loyal sister-in-law, Martha Lackey; special cousin, Helen Adams; “daughters”, Jonnetta Patton, Nora Green, and Damara Wilson; Godson, Freddie Warren, III; faithful extended family members, Annie P. Sanders, Phillip & Polly Long, Donal & Eyren Smith and kids, Mike & Jinger Wadel, and Darrell & Kisha Walsh; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michelle Robison, and the staff of Pomerance Eye Center, Dr. Joseph Huffstutter and the staff at Arthritis Associates, Dr. Hannah Edwards, Dr. Henry Williams, and the entire administration and medical staff at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at Shallowford. We truly appreciate all the love, care, and compassion each of you provided to James over the years. We would also like to thank Timeka Smith and Ora Melton for their kindness and support during his final days. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Mr. James E. Lackey to the Chattanooga Rescue Mission at 1512 S. Holtzclaw Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404. James will lie-in-state on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Family Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Billy Church as the eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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