James Andrew Ivey Sr., age 74, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026 in Crossville, TN.

Mr. Ivey was born on June 1, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee, son of the late James Adam Ivey Jr. and Marilyn (Setzer) Ivey.

James faithfully served in the United States Army for 21 years and retired as a Major in the Army. Serving his country was his greatest honor. He spent most of his childhood in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Carson Newman College and a masters degree from University of Arkansas. James was always a member of a local baptist church everywhere he lived. He enjoyed his family and was always kind and full of jokes for everyone he met.

Left to cherish his memories are Diane Ivey, his son, Drew Ivey (Danielle Ivey), and his daughters, Jennifer Gill (Scott Gill), and Julia Smith (Will Smith). He also leaves behind his 6 wonderful grandchildren, Noah, Eli, and Olivia Ivey, Jacob Gill, and Caitlyn and Emma Smith. His sister Mary Lee Bohanan (Gordon Bohanan), Aunt Helen Hodgson and many cousins also remain.

James is preceded in death by his parents James and Marilyn Ivey.

We would like to thank Mike Denney, Wyndridge Rehab, and Cumberland Ridge for their loving care and patience provided for James Ivey in the last few years.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Knoxville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Toy Store ministry at Central Baptist Church of Crossville, TN where he was a member. You go to cbccrossville.org. Go to online giving and select Toy Store.

Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.