James Vernon Ireland

James Vernon Ireland, lovingly known as "Jimmy" to all who knew him, passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on February 15, 1947 in Long Beach, California, Jimmy was raised in Southern California, where he was deeply rooted in faith, family, and community - values that defined every chapter of his life.

Jimmy was raised in a home anchored in faith. His father served as pastor of a church in Hawthorne, California for over 30 years, and his mother was a dedicated school teacher affiliated with the church. It was in that loving, faith-filled home that Jimmy's character was shaped - a character that touched everyone he met.

A natural athlete, Jimmy played football and baseball throughout his school years, a passion for sports that never left him. As an adult he continued playing basketball and softball, and later poured that same love of the game into coaching - coaching his daughter's softball teams and his son's football teams with the same devotion he brought to everything in life.

As an adult Jim was a businessman at heart. Throughout his working career he owned and operated various successful businesses, building a legacy of hard work, determination, and integrity.

But above all else, Jim loved people. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger - warm, genuine, and magnetic. He lived to be surrounded by his family and friends, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He had a spirit of adventure and a love of travel that took him on countless memorable journeys throughout his life. In 2022, Jimmy made his home in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he spent his final years.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Thuy Davis; his daughter Kelly Beattie and son-in-law Hylton Beattie; his son Joshua Ireland; his grandsons Tyler Garcia and his wife Ariana, and Derek Garcia and his wife Julie; his precious great-granddaughter Olive Garcia; and a second great-granddaughter, expected to arrive any day, who will forever carry the joy of his legacy. He is also survived by his brother Mike Ireland and his wife Julie, and their families. His brother in law, Michael Nguyen and his nephew Rocco Norman and his family.

Jim Ireland leaves behind a world made brighter by his presence. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love was felt by all who were lucky enough to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and every stranger who somehow always left his company feeling like a friend.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.