James Allen Cain, known lovingly as Pop, Jimmy, and Jimbo, passed away on June 15, 2026, at his home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was 87 years old. Born on January 19, 1939, in Jacksboro, Tennessee, to James F. Cain and Charlotte Yerkes, he grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee and carried that warmth and down-home spirit with him everywhere he went.

James graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Engineering, a proud accomplishment that launched a long and fulfilling career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. He worked for TVA in both Knoxville and Chattanooga before eventually retiring after decades of dedicated service.

If there was one thing everyone knew about James, it was that he never met a stranger. He was outgoing, genuinely curious about people, and loved nothing more than striking up a conversation with whoever crossed his path. Whether it was at the local lodge or out running errands, he had a way of making folks feel like they had known him for years.

When he wasn’t visiting with people, James could be found working on old cars and trucks, tending to his bees, or dreaming about his next trip to the beach. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge Jacksboro No. 322 and a member of Tarpon Lake View MHP. More than anything, though, he loved spending time with his family and friends, and his great grandkids held a particularly special place in his heart.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Sneed and Lillian Cain; his first wife, Juana Cain; his second wife, Marsha “Cricket” Cain; and his son, James “Allen” Cain.

He is survived by his daughters, Jessica Jones and husband Chuck, Babbi Dilbeck and husband Gary; his step daughter Michelle Newport and husband Jeff; brother, Johnny Cain and wife Wanda; as well as his great grandchildren, Courtney Ellison, Rodney “Rock” Ellison, and Jesse “JT” Jones; and a wide circle of friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date and time.

James lived with a quiet faith and an open heart. In the words of Psalm 49:15, “But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me into himself.”

Rest easy, Pop. You will be deeply missed.

To leave a note for the family or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.jacksonfuneralservices.com

Jackson Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.