Obituary of James Rolland McNelly

Jim McNelly, 88 years old, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on December 16th 2022. Jim was born in Rockwood, Tennessee on January 23, 1934. He graduated from Rockwood High School and served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Jim was married to Pat Morgan McNelly on May 26th 1955. They were married 67 years. Jim worked as the Classified Ad Manager for Chattanooga News Free Press for 42 years. He was actively involved in his church, Soddy-Daisy First Baptist as a deacon, worked in the Benevolence Program and cared for the Shut-Ins. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Jim will be remembered by the legacy he left as a follower of Christ and his care for the less fortunate. Jim is preceded in death by his mother Ethel McNelly, sister Judy Campbell and brother Johnny McNelly. Jim is survived by his wife Pat, children; son Steve (Susan) McNelly of Birchwood, TN, son Dale (Lori) McNelly of Chattanooga, son Kevin (Gina) McNelly Chattanooga, daughter DeAnn (Bill) Swan, Signal Mountain. Jim and Pat have 11 grandchildren: Stephen (Bethani) McNelly, Mallori McNelly, Toni McNelly, Chris (Jessica) McNelly, Sandi Brown, Kendall McNelly, Jeffrey (Nicole) McNelly, Jay (Eliza) McNelly, Mei Ling McNelly, Parker Swan, Mason Swan, and 11 great grandchildren, brother Glen (Gail) McNelly and sisters Joan Jones and Nancy Farr, numerous nieces and nephews. A private burial will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.at Legacy Funeral Home, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Soddy-Daisy First Baptist in his honor. The McNelly family would like to thank Amedisys - Hospice for their wonderful care during a difficult time. They also extend their thanks to Kimberly Goins for caring for Jim like family. To share photos, memories or condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 (423) 843-2525.