Colonel James Russell Dismukes, 92, known by most as the Colonel, passed away peacefully in Nashville on March 12, 2025, surrounded by his wife and other family members. He was a decorated Veteran, successful retailer, loving husband, devoted father, and adoring grandfather. Colonel Dismukes was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel Roy Lloyd Dismukes and Mary Aileen Russell Dismukes; father and mother-in-law; Cecil Elrod, Jr. and Betty Elrod; and uncle, Homer and Linda Russell.
The Colonel was curious, smart, strong, innovative, and determined. He led by example with a persistent discipline. He loved to complement, inspire, encourage, and mentor others. Colonel was not a simple man but loved simple things: his country, his family, his work, his farm, his garden, his chickens, and Alabama football.
Born on September 20, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama, Jim was raised in a family that instilled in him a deep sense of duty and discipline. His father was an Army colonel, and his loving mother was an organist in the church. He often said his relationship with the Lord began with cutting his teeth on the organ pedals. Attending C. K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, CA. was where his love of football began. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1955 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, embarking on a military career that would span nearly two decades.
During his years of service, Jim distinguished himself as a leader and strategist, serving in key roles both stateside and abroad. His tenure included an advisory position in Vietnam, where he played a critical role in training and assisting allied forces of over 18,000 troops under General Abrams. He later commanded units within the 101st Airborne Division, a renowned paratrooper combat force, and was awarded multiple military honors, including the Bronze Star for Valor, the Legion of Merit, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In the years leading up to his retirement in Jacksonville Florida, he was given the honor of top Army recruiter in the United States by Senator Lawton Childs.
Jim met his wife, Karen, on the tennis courts at Middle Tennessee State University. What began with a friendly game turned into a lifelong partnership built on love, adventure, and shared ambition. They were married in 1968 at the United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and soon after, they began building their life together in Murfreesboro. As a couple, they worked side by side in the retail business, as well as acquiring real estate and proudly restoring three homes on the National Register of Historic Homes. Their journey eventually led them to Nashville, and they remained longtime members of the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, finding community and fellowship that they both cherished in the Cumberland Plateau.
After retiring from the military, Jim and Karen embarked on a new adventure—one that would redefine and revolutionize retail. They opened The Village Square and The French Shoppe 2 in Murfreesboro, later expanding to Nashville. However, Jim wasn’t content with the traditional storefront model. Always an innovator, he and Karen transformed retail by taking fashion on the road, bringing their curated collections directly to customers in private showings. Their forward-thinking approach turned shopping into an experience—one built on personal connection, exclusivity, and impeccable style. His salesmanship, charisma, eye for quality and ability to connect with people transformed The French Shoppe into more than just a store—it became “The Road Show.”
Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit was passed down to the next generation, as all three of his children followed in his retail footsteps, continuing the family’s legacy of style, service, and innovation.
Jim channeled his success into charitable efforts. The fashion shows concept he created frequently raised funds for organizations such as Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the Dupont Country Club’s Autism Foundation. He was known not only for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others.
Colonel Dismukes survived by his wife, Karen Elrod Dismukes; daughters, Tara Dismukes Wegdam (Ben), and Karen Aileen Dismukes Cooper (William); son, James Russell Dismukes, II (Christy); grandchildren, Kiki, Paris, and Ben Wegdam, Jr., Wills and Constance Cooper, Jim, III and Lana Dismukes; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cecil Elrod, III (Tommye), Susan Creagh (George), Beth Scofield, (Roscoe), and David Elrod (Nancy Burns); cousin, Margaret Hendrick (Jed), and a host of extended family, friends and admirers will cherish his memory. He loved big and he loved his life.
Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with the service beginning at 1:30 pm at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Nashville with Rev. J. Malone Gilliam officiating. The graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, 519 Greenland Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 with Jerry Mansfield officiating. Pallbearers, Jim Dismukes, III, Wills Cooper, Ben Wegdam, Jr., Rob Sanders, John Sanders, David Elrod, Ben Wegdam, William Cooper, and John Murphy. The family would like to honor his deceased friends as honorary pallbearers, Hal Jordan, John Ed Willoughby, Chet Fannon, Andy Jackson, Earl Bass and Bobby Cooper.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, P. O. Box 307, Monteagle, TN 37356 in memory of Colonel Dismukes.
