James “Jim” Ables

Jim Ables passed away on the morning of August 5th, 2025, at his home in Decaturville, TN surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Memphis, TN to J.C. and Mary Elizabeth Biggs. He attended Frazier High School in Memphis, TN. 

Jim was a United States Air Force Veteran. He was a proud member of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Mr. Ables served our country from 1961 to 1963. He was a jet engine mechanic and helped with transporting fallen soldiers. He loved to reminisce about his days in the service. 

Jim spent his life being a “jack of all trades”. There was nothing that Jim couldn’t fix but if he couldn’t; you better believe it would be rigged to work. Jim was a certified electrician, a plumber, a car mechanic, and did some carpentry work. Jim was a truck driver for many years. Many people may know him by his CB handle “Sweathog”. He seen nearly every state and loved his travels. Mr. Jim also owned and operated Scott’s Hill Welding in Scott’s Hill, TN. He also was a long-time employee for Ace Hardware in Parsons, TN. At one point he was a member of Parsons Rescue Squad and the Chief of Decaturville Fire Department. 

Jim loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He loved good food with even better company. He also loved fishing. In his older years his favorite pastime was watching Gunsmoke and relaxing in his recliner. He treasured all his long-term friendships. A few to name would be Mr. Russell Dickson, Mr. James Russ of Alabama, Mr. Dean Trout, Anthony & Christie Jett, Joe Kider, Michael Bowman, the Tolbert Family and the late Joe Gregory. 

He is preceded by his parents J.C. Ables and Mary Elizabeth Biggs and his sister Charlene Ables-Mcneer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Janie “Hope” Ables, his daughter Amanda Jane Ables, his son Brandon Ables (Milhu), his grandchildren Aliza Yarbro-DeWitt (Tyler), Karma Castaneda, Aliana Ables, and Michael Ables, his great grandson Mikael “Mickey” Wren DeWitt, his sisters Carroll Ables and May Hall, as well as many “adopted” children and grandchildren, and a multitude of other family members. He was Dad/Pops/Papaw to many. 

A memorial service will be held at Stanfill Funeral Home & Cremation Saturday, August 9th 2025 from 11am-2pm with his service to follow at 2pm.