Dr. James (Jimmy) Padgett

McKENZIE, Tenn. — Funeral services for James D. (Jimmy) Padgett are Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Brummitt McKenzie Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Mt Olivet Cemetery, McKenzie.

James Padgett, age 76, died peacefully at his home in McKenzie, Tennessee, on June 9, 2026.

Born on October 29, 1949, James was the beloved son of the late Martha McAnulty Padgett and John E. Padgett. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Ward (Joe), and by his wife, Norma Padgett.

James is survived by his sister, Judy Hall (Jack), and his brother, John Padgett (Leslie). From his first marriage to Denise Disney, he has two children: David Padgett and Shannon Pavesic (Pete). Through his marriage to Norma, he is also survived by his stepchildren, Bess Toombs (Lynn) and Chris Lutz.

He was a proud grandfather to Madyson Driggers, Kyle Lutz (Chelsea), Lydia Lutz, Gavin Pavesic, Mia Hansen (Tayler), and Luke Toombs; and a great-grandfather to Krews Lutz, Brooks Lutz, and Luke Hansen.

A lifelong resident of McKenzie, James graduated from McKenzie High School in 1967, where he was a multi-sport athlete and letterman in both football and baseball. As a senior, he was honored as Most Valuable Running Back in 1967. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee at Martin, graduating in 1970, and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in 1973.

For more than four decades, Dr. Padgett faithfully served the people of McKenzie and the surrounding communities through his dental practice, retiring in 2016 after 48 years of dedicated service. In 2022, he was honored with a Key to the City of McKenzie in recognition of his distinguished career in dentistry and his lasting impact on generations of families who entrusted him with their care.

James was a member of First United Methodist Church of McKenzie, where he was a man of quiet faith and steady kindness. Outside the office, his greatest joys were time with family, friends, and the simple pleasures of life in West Tennessee.

He was a lifelong golfer, a passion that began as a boy at Carroll Lake Golf Course in McKenzie, which his father, John, built. He grew up on those greens and fairways, working on and helping maintain the course while developing a love for the game that would last a lifetime. A love rewarded with two holes-in-one and countless tournament wins alongside friends who became family. He also loved boating and fishing on the Tennessee River, where he spent many summer days cruising and laughing with loved ones.

James also had a deep love for music. In his high school and college years, he played in several local bands, including The Oxfords and The Trademarks, and remained lifelong friends with his bandmates.

Known for his positive outlook, gracious heart, and gentle spirit, James lived with optimism, loyalty, and compassion. He was deeply devoted to his family, his patients, and his community — and his warmth and humor will be remembered by all who knew him.

 

Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home

731-352-4848