On January 7, 2024 at 6:14 am at 88 years of age, James (Jim) Edward Hockaday Sr entered eternal rest in heaven. Jim was born and raised in McNairy County – Selmer, TN and spent the remaining part of his life in Wilson, County. He passed away in his home in Lebanon with his loving wife of forty years, Kaffie Hockaday, by his side.
James (Jim) Edward Hockaday Sr was born in Selmer, Tennessee to Bonna Morris Hockaday and Vera Hockaday on April, 15 1935. Jim grew up on a cotton farm with his parents and 7 siblings. Jim learned the value of being a hard worker early in his life, and he continued to have a strong work ethic throughout his life. Growing up, Jim picked cotton on his families farm and his spare time was spent going to school and playing sports. Jim was a highly accomplished athlete, and he had both football and basketball scholarships coming out of Selmer High School. He decided to continue his basketball career at Memphis State from 1955-59 where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Education. In 2001, Memphis State honored Jim by entering him into the Memphis State Hall of Fame. After he graduated college, he was drafted into the NBA, 19th pick overall to the Philadelphia Warriors. His professional career continued with the Cincinnati Royals and Memphis Grizzlies as well. After his basketball career was over, Jim entered into sales and politics where he learned his next passions in life. Jim quickly started his own business, manufacturing and selling mowers and equipment in which he excelled until he retired. Some of Jim’s favorite things in retirement were: visiting his siblings, Rose, William, Faye, John, and Susie, watching his grandchildren Holly, Jay, and Ally play sports, watching Alexis cheer, playing with Ace and driving Ace around in his truck, and loving and “bossing” around his wife Kaffie. Kaffie was instrumental in Jim’s last years and days, making sure he was overly loved, well fed, and gave him the most special and loving care.
Jim’s charisma, charm, friendship, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community. A celebration of his life service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home in Lebanon, TN. Visitation will be from 11:00 am – 12:00pm before the service.
Jim is Preceded in death by:
Bonna Morris Hockaday – his father
Vera Hockaday – his mother
George Hockaday – brother
Emmett Hockaday – brother
William Hockaday – brother
Jim is survived by his wife, Kaffie Hockaday
Siblings:
Rose Alonzo – (Emmanuel Alonzo – brother in law)
Faye Derryberry – sister
John Ross Hockaday – brother (June Hockaday – sister in law)
Susie Huckabee – sister (Johnny Huckabee – brother in law)
Children:
James Edward Hockaday Jr. (Krista)
Ray Hockaday
Vonda Gregory
James Hicks
Alexis Hicks
Grandchildren:
Holly Hockaday
James Edward Hockaday III
Alexandra Hockaday
Great Grandchildren:
Ace Edward Hicks
Art Grey Hicks
