Jaime Thompson Mangubat “Jim” was born July 23, 1957, to the union of the late Dr. Jaime Virata Mangubat and Martha Ann Thompson Mangubat who survives. He was united in marriage to the former Barbara Carlyn “Babs” Estes on March 21, 1981. Jim began his career in service as he cared for the sick in some of their worst times as a respiratory therapist. With his true servant’s heart on display, he then became Wayne County Executive for 10 dedicated years where he continued to serve his fellow Wayne Countians every day. While serving as Executive he strove to be the best he could be to help guide Wayne County, in doing so, he became a member of the Governor’s Management Fellowship Committee, Chairman of the board for South Central Human Resource Agency, Vice-Chairman for the Tennessee Budget and Audit Committee, the Tennessee’s Mayor’s Association, and was on the advisory board for Families First. He was an active member of the Waynesboro Rotary Club, serving a term as the president of the club. Jim was his happiest when he could be at home surrounded by his family, whom he dearly loved. He loved to cook, especially when he could do so for his family. He enjoyed spending time outside, and at times in his life was very active in hunting and fishing. If anyone knew Jim well, it was no secret of his love for the Tennessee Volunteers. He dearly loved the Volunteers and looked forward to watching his team take the field. Mr. Mangubat departed this life on Friday, November 13, 2026 at his home with his family by his side, making his stay in this life some 69 years, 3 months and 21 days.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his mother, Martha Ann Thompson Mangubat of Waynesboro, TN; his wife of 45 years, Babs Estes Mangubat of Waynesboro, TN; a daughter, Ashlyn Martin (Brian) of Columbia, TN; son, Austin Mangubat (Conner) of Chattanooga, TN; his siblings, Karen Serafini (Daniel) of Bluffton, SC; Enrico Mangubat of Waynesboro, TN; Diane LeBlanc (Allen) of Franklin, TN; three grandchildren, Kinsley Ann Bailey, Zoey Grace Bailey, StanLee Bailey all of Waynesboro, TN; four nephews, James Chadwick Moore (Alayna) of Greenbrier, TN; William Matthew Todd (Kryssie) of Bluffton, SC; Luke Throgmorton Mangubat of Collinwood, TN; Moulton LeBlanc of Franklin, TN; one niece, Candis Truitt of Spring Hill, TN; he is also survived by five great nephews, Jonah Enrico Moore, Jaime Christian Moore, Lukas Gonzales, Theodore Cranston Moore, Allen Loften Truitt as well as a whole host of loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Jaime Virata Mangubat
Visitation with the Mangubat family will be on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM and again on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM all at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026 beginning at 1:00 PM at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel with Kevin Marston officiating. Following the celebration, Jim will be laid to rest in Waynesboro Memorial Gardens.
Per Jim’s own request, if you should choose to attend the visitation or service, feel free to wear orange in his honor.
