James T. McKissick

Mr. James T. McKissick was the seventh child of eight children born to Louis and Lucy Tate McKissick. He was born on September 7, 1923 in Robinson County, Tennesse. There he attended the public schools and grew to a young manhood.

James was inducted into the United States Army on October 31, 1944 and served with distinction until his honorable discharge on November 14, 1946. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army Occupation (Japan)Medal while in military service. After his discharge he married Roberta Barbie, who preceded him in death.

James was a hard worker. He believed in giving a full days work for a full days pay. He previously worked for Keys Supper Club, LaRue's Supper Club and the Marriott Hotel. At one time he operated his own insurance agency with Aetna Insurance Company. He retired from the Holiday Inn after twenty-five years of employment and continued to work there part-time until his health began to fail. James rubbed shoulders with many local, state and national dignitaries. He received a personal invitation from Senator Birch Bayh to attend the Inauguration of President Lyndon Johnson. He received many recognitions while employed at Holiday Inn. Among them are awards for "Employee of the Year","Excellence in Service", Superior Work Performance".

James was united in Holy Matrimony to Marie Hill McKissick on December 21,1985. James was a loving husband, uncle and friend to many. He was a kind and decent man,honest and considerate of others.

Mr. James T. McKissick departed his life on Friday monrning, March 26, 1993 at 3:30am at Richard Roudebush Veterans Administration Hospital. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Marie, two sisters:Kathleen Benton and Jessie Mae McKissick, both of Springfield Tennessee, two stepchildren, Sandra Paschall of Indianapolis and Michael Hill of Colorado Springs, four grandchildren, one great-grandson, a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Especially close to him was nephew, Ralph Scott who helped him so much through the rough years of his illness.