James Manuel Wendt (73) was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather. He passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 9, 1952, in Miller County, Missouri to Helen Cleo Jackson Wendt and William Robert Wendt.

Jim loved his family deeply and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 55+ years, Jenny Wendt; siblings Terry Wendt (Linda) and Jenny Lou Sims; children Julie Baker (Chris) and Jeremy Wendt (Stephanie); grandchildren Kyle Wendt (Caroline), Jarquzes Hicks, Jack Baker (Bri), Jayden Baker, Grant Wendt (Marlee), Thomas Johnson, and Kristen Wendt; three sweet great-grandchildren, Zaniyah, Emory, and Yasmin; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Jim graduated from Coalfield School in 1970 and months soon after, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jenny Kesterson. He went on to serve in the United States Army, and after short stints in Colorado, Korea, and Maryland, the young couple moved back home to start a family in Coalfield, TN. Jim’s work ethic was unmatched; his career included a variety of jobs that always enabled him to provide for his family —from coal mining and construction to prison guard and heavy equipment operator, his hard work concluded with a retirement from ORNL. Jim enjoyed football, hunting, camping and spending time at the lake with friends, music, playing cards, riding horses, family vacations to many beaches, strumming his banjo, fishing, building anything, and family meals together. Jim was a faithful, lifelong member of Middle Creek Baptist Church where he served many roles including deacon and Sunday School Director.

His family would like to express a special thanks to the caretakers who helped provide excellent and compassionate care for him over the past few years.

Visitation will be held on March 7, 2026, from 1-3pm EST with a short service at 3pm EST at Middle Creek Baptist Church in Coalfield, TN. Interment will follow at 4pm EST at Estes Cemetery, also in Coalfield, TN. Jackson Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of arrangements, 865-435-3800.