James Edward Mobley, 91, of Murfreesboro, passed to glory to be forever with his Heavenly Father, Saturday, September 5th, 2026. Born August 8, 1935, in Salem, Indiana, to Theo Will and Clora Mobley. James was one of fourteen children raised on the family farm. He learned a strong work ethic amid the daily demands of farm life and the values of faith, including the importance of keeping the Sabbath as a day of rest. His parents modeled an open door and open heart to the community, a spirit that shaped him throughout his life.
Following his graduation from Salem High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country. After his military service, he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Ann Devereux, in
1955. He built a career in sales, working in Indiana, Florida, and Tennessee, and found lasting joy in meeting and connecting with people wherever he went. He was blessed with two children from this marriage: his first-born daughter Melissa, who was a delight, and his son Brian, who brought him great joy.
Jim married the fun-loving Linda Hunt Elam in 1990. Together they created a blended family that grew to include six children, twelve grandchildren, and twenty-three great-grandchildren. The annual Grandkids Day became a cherished tradition, and their home was regularly filled with the laughter of children, especially at Thanksgiving.
An avid gardener, Jim transformed his landscape into a place of wonder complete with an outdoor train, waterfalls, and a koi pond for all to enjoy. The first ripe tomato of summer was always a moment of great anticipation! Grandfather extraordinaire, affectionately known as “Grandy”, he was truly handy. Guided by the motto “measure twice and cut once,” he built multiple treehouses, a rabbit cage, indoor train tracks, bunk beds for dorm life, furniture, and beautiful wooden crosses that he gifted to family members.
Jim also found deep fulfillment serving for many years alongside his devoted wife Linda with their church family, ministering to the people of the Appalachian Mountain region. They exemplified loving and serving and did everything better together in their thirty-six years of marriage.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Elam Mobley; daughter Melissa Young, son Brian Mobley (Michelle), Sherrie Yokley (Jack), Dixie Hooper, Ed Elam (Sandra), Charles Elam (Wendy); sisters Bonnie Whorley (Herb), Hazel Eckler, Thelma Foreman (Carl); brother Paul Mobley (Jenny) grandchildren Taylor Mobley, Kelsey Young Chapman (David), Brennon Mobley (Lilly), Heather Brunk (Forrest), Mary Charlton (Tyler), Tyler Hooper (Jess), Erica Morton (Joe), Abby Elam, Chaz Elam (Samantha), Emily Gore (Tanner), John Yokley (Arianna), Thomas Yokley (Skyler) and 23 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife Doris, parents Theo and Clora Mobley and nine of his siblings.
Visitation with the family will be at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm until the time of funeral services beginning at 2:30 pm. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. An online guestbook is available for the Mobley family at www.woodfinchapel.com.
The family suggests that those wishing to express sympathy consider a donation to the Mighty Oaks Veterans and First Responder Recovery Program, Mighty Oaks Foundation PO Box 1405 Montgomery, TX 77356, or Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
Jim Mobley walked by faith and now he walks by sight!
