Final Salute

James T. Player, 78, was a beloved husband, father, and dedicated servant who died peacefully on November 21, 2024, in his Chattanooga, Tennessee home.

A proud alumnus of Riverside High School (Class of 1964), James further honed his skills at West Kentucky Vocational School, earning a degree in auto repair (body-metallurgy) with top honors. His dedication to his craft was evident throughout his life.

From 1967 to 1969, he served in the United States Navy. During this time, he trained with the elite Navy SEALs SEABEE and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his honorable discharge from military service, James embarked on a successful career as a Boilermaker with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). His decades-long service with TVA spanned roles as diverse as assistant foreman, boilermaker journeyman, certified welder/boilermaker, and nuclear mechanic tech III. A member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 454, he retired in 2006 after a lifetime of hard work and dedication. James was respected by his colleagues and admired for his expertise.

Beyond his professional life, James was an avid car enthusiast and a lover of Western films. His spiritual life was deeply rooted in The World’s Church of the Living God, Chattanooga, where he served faithfully as a deacon for over 50 years and a member of Shalom Emmanuel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Isabell Player, brother, William Player (Imogene), and sisters Constance Player and Mary Ida Slaughter (Tony).

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Tina Player; daughters, Jana Player Pauldin (Wilson) and Kyra Williams; son, Terrad Player; sisters, Evelyn Lovelady, Ernestine Dunton, Olivia Wilson (Tony), and Carolyn Pollard (Gary); and his beloved grandchildren, Jordan, Aiden, Ian, Evan, James, and Kedric Williams.

A memorial service celebrating James’s life will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, at 11:30 a.m. at The World’s Church of the Living God, 2110 Glass Street, Chattanooga, Tn. 37406. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery, gate time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Public visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. with family viewing from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, 423 622-9995.

The family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) online at https://give.classy.org/JTPlayer in place of flowers.