Obituary of James White Reilly

James (Jim) White Reilly, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. He was born on January 9th, 1932, the son of Frank Ward Reilly and Margaret White Reilly of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank “Ward” Reilly, Jr and daughter Julia (Feetsie) Reilly Fields. Affectionately known as “Glide”, a nickname he earned as a student at McCallie School during the 1940s, he graduated from McCallie in 1950 and received a B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech Institute of Technology in 1955. Upon graduation, he began his career at Sherman and Reilly, Inc. Founded in 1927 by his father Frank Ward Reilly and D.C. Sherman, Sherman and Reilly, Inc. was established as an engineering consulting firm that specialized in wire rope and cable applications. Together with his brother, Ward, he led the company into the business of making tools and equipment used by the electric utility industry in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground power line systems. During his time at Sherman and Reilly, Inc. he oversaw the expansion of the company’s office and manufacturing facilities, fostered valuable international partnerships, earned national and international awards, and served as an active member of IEEE and as the US Representative of the International Electrical Committee (IEC). After the passing of his brother Ward, in 1997, he acted as Chairman and CEO of the Board of Sherman and Reilly until his retirement in 2010. An avid outdoorsman and pilot, he was happiest in the air or on the water. A private pilot for over 40 years, he crisscrossed the United States and the Bahamas many times traveling to his favorite diving, fishing and hunting destinations. As founding member of Blue Springs Club in Ringgold, GA, he never missed an opening day dove hunt. Glide was equally passionate about boating. As a long-time Florida resident and a member of both the Chattanooga Yacht Club and Gulf Harbour Yacht Club in Ft. Myers, FL, he spent countless hours on the waters of Suwannee River and the Gulf of Mexico. He served as an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers, FL, and was a life-long member of The Church of the Good Shepherd of Lookout Mountain, TN, until the time of his death. Most importantly, he guided his family with unwavering support and leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love. Glide is survived by his loving wife Deborah (Debbie); five children: Peggy Patten, Jimmy (Nanci) Reilly, John (Carmello) Reilly, Martha (Kevin) King, Steven (Elizabeth) Forrester; son-in-law Richard Fields; 14 grandchildren: George (Andrea) Patten, Margaret Patten, Compton Fields, Mary Katherine Fields, Mary Jane Reilly, Caroline King, Matthew King, Kate King, Lauren King, Jack Forrester, Walker Forrester, Beau Forrester, Reilly Paglialunga , Luca Paglialunga; great-grandchild Liam Patten; niece Gay Reilly; nephew Trip Reilly; great-niece Amelia Rowland. The family will receive friends from 11:30-12:30 pm on Tuesday, October 17th in the parish hall at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, TN. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 pm following the visitation, with The Rev. Robert Childers officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to The Church of the Good Shepherd 211 Franklin Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350 or to a charity of your choice. Finally, the family would like to offer many thanks to Hearth Hospice, especially Lora Baker and Kiara Dunnigan, Seniors Helping Seniors, McCallister Personal Care Consultants and the wonderful people at Thrive at Brow Wood. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Please share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com.