James Gordon “Jim” Pettigrew passed from this life Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Bolivar General Hospital.
He was born Friday, May 24, 1946, in Whiteville to the late Gordon and Altie Lawson Pettigrew and spent his entire life in Hardeman County.
United in marriage to Rhonda Joan Stamey on October 11, 1968, he was a retired crew leader with the Hardeman County Highway Department where he worked for over 15 years. Previously, Mr. Pettigrew also had served the Tennessee Department of Forestry for over 20 years in the Hornsby area. He had served six years in the Tennessee National Guard and was a member of Pocahontas Church of Christ
Jim, as he was known to all, enjoyed being at home where he used his “green thumb” to care for his yard, his flowers and, in younger years, his garden. He loved his coffee and had collected over 300 coffee mugs over the years. His family describes him and a “real cut-up” who enjoyed teasing others and playing practical jokes. Once he met someone, he bestowed his own special “nickname” on that person and that’s how they came to be known.
He leaves his wife of 56 years, Rhonda Stamey Pettigrew; his daughter, Jill Pettigrew; and his sister, Romie June Pettigrew, all of Pocahontas.
