James L. Cupples, beloved husband, father, and entrepreneur, peacefully entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at his residence in Jackson, Tennessee surrounded by his loving wife and family, at the age of 91.
Born on May 6, 1932, in Bear Creek, Tennessee the son of the late P. J. and Mary L Jones Cupples. James was a visionary and hardworking individual from an early age. He was first employed with Tigrett Industries of Jackson in their Toy Division. He later founded Cupples J&J Company on June 6, 1966, in Jackson as a small Tool & Die business. Over the years, with his dedication and determination, James transformed it into one of the largest Die and Sheet Metal manufacturers in the South.
James’ career success was only a part of his life’s accomplishments. He had a deep love for his family and prioritized their well-being above all else. His wife Dorothy “Dot” Highfill Cupples stood by his side throughout their journey together. Their unwavering bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.
In his younger years, James found joy in various hobbies and interests. He loved fishing and boating in his younger years. As an avid University of Tennessee Football fan and Nashville Predators supporter, he enjoyed cheering for his favorite teams. Nature held a special place in James’ heart as he frequented the Safari Park to observe animals and revel in the wonders of the outdoors. Additionally, he had a keen interest in old western and detective movies.
Traveling held its own unique allure for James. He particularly cherished trips to Las Vegas to witness a diverse array of entertainers perform onstage. These adventures provided him with cherished memories shared with loved ones.
James is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-four years, Dorothy “Dot” Highfill Cupples of Jackson, TN; son Johnney Cupples Sr. and his wife Sherry; daughter, Shirley Cupples Blankenship; daughter, Pam Conger and her husband Sid; son, Jeffery Louis Cupples, accompanied by his wife Kim; son, Shaun Brown and his wife Gari; and son, Ward Brown and his wife Melinda. Each of them held a special place in James’ heart, amounting to a loving and close-knit family.
He also survived by seventeen grandchildren, Dana Davidson, Tina Dove, Johnney Cupples, Jr., Jordan Cupples, Gary Blankenship, Jr., Lisa Pounds, James Coughlin, Will Hudson, Sarah Beth Huffstetler, Jansen Cupples, Avery Williamson, Andrew Lindsey, Ryan Lindsey, Christian Lindsey, Luke Brown, Taylor Brown Sykes, and Harrison Brown and twenty-one great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
James was preceded in death by a son, James Lynn Cupples, two grandchildren, Christi Cupples and Steven Powell and eight siblings, Henry Cupples, Tom Cupples, Butch Cupples, Jack Cupples, Mattie Cupples, Ophelia Davis, Nellie Macon and Bertie Cooper.
SERVICE: A service to celebrate and honor James’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. The burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.
The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Arrington Funeral Directors, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and continuing until 7:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, November 12, 2023, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and continuing until the service time of 2:00 p.m.
Pallbearers serving will be Harrison Brown, Luke Brown, Jansen Cupples, Johnney Cupples, Jr., Jordan Cupples, Landan Dove, Will Hudson and Josh Pounds.
Honorary pallbearers will be the past and present employees of Cupples J & J Company.
The family is requesting that memorial contributions in James’ honor be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.
James L. Cupples will forever be remembered as an exceptional entrepreneur, a loving husband, a caring father, and a cherished friend. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched during his time on Earth. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 731.668.1111
