James Jay Jernigan, age 79, passed peacefully on December 26, 2025. Jay is now resting in the arms of Jesus after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease. Jay was born in Detroit Michigan to Charlotte Tuohy and Ray Jernigan on August 31,1946.

Jay enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, and anything outdoors. He loved woodworking and making crafty things. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always concerned about them.

Jay attended Chattanooga State Technical Institute 1964-1966 where he received an Associate Degree of Engineering. He was employed at the Nevada Test site 1967-1969. He joined the Navy in 1969 and served in Japan 1969-1972 in the field of computing. Jay received an Associate Degree of Science in 1982 at Roane State Community College and received a Bachelor of Business at Bristol University in 2000. He was employed at the Oak Ridge plants, K-25, Y-12 and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 35 years where he retired in April 2008.

Jay is preceded in death by his father James Ray Jernigan, mother Charlotte Gaston Tuohy, sister Shirley Jankalski, and mother-in-law Thelma Nelson Mowell.

Survived by his wife Mary of 43 years, sons Eric Jernigan (Mindy), Matt Jernigan (Hester), Josh Jernigan (Rebecca), Andrew Clark (Allison) and daughter Amy Chupak (Eric) along with a bonus daughter Melanie Carter. Grand children Logan Jernigan (Emily), John Jernigan, Taylor Smith, Ian Smith (Ashley), Jessica-Gemmy Perez-Gomez (Coady), Taber Jernigan, Madison Coats, (Jake), Camille Clark, Indy Clark, Erica Copeland, (Daniel), Erin Garner (Nathan), Emyle Denton (Grant), sister Sue Blaylock (Greg), brother Robin Jernigan (Maegan).

Great grandchildren Parker Copeland, Paxton Copeland, Luke Garner, Tatum Garner, Jonah Garner, James Denton, Teddy Perez-Gomez, Augie Perez-Gomez, Devy Perez-Gomez, Goldie Perez-Gomez. Owen Smith, Amelia Smith as well as many nieces and nephews and many special friends.

The family is most grateful for the exemplary care the nurses and aids from Quality Private Duty Care provided from 2020-present. Thanks to all who took care of Jay like he was a family member.

Receiving of friends will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and funeral to follow at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel at Sharp Funeral Home. Jay’s final resting place will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Jernigan family during this time of need.