James "Big Jim" French, Sr.

James “Big Jim” French, Sr., age 76 of Springville, TN, died Monday, March 5, 2018, at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, TN.

He retired after many years as a mechanic.  He enjoyed running heavy machinery and helped take care of the Country Junction Resort.

He was Baptist in belief.

Big Jim was born December 10, 1941, in Dyersburg, TN, to the late William French and the late Mary Bottoms French.

He was married March 30, 1963, to Carol Lockwood French, who survives, of Springville, TN.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by one daughter, Judi Sherwood of Dyer, TN; one son, Jim French, Jr., of Springville, TN; one sister, Nancy French of Puryear, TN; one brother, Henry French of Trezevant, TN; four grandchildren, Brittany French of Springville, TN, Brandon (Jessica) French of Buchanan, TN, James (Miranda) Rushing of Henderson, TN, and Michaela Sherwood of Dyer, TN; and his beloved dog, Gracie Mae.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son, Joseph French; one daughter-in-law, Lisa French; and two brothers, David French and Walter French.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Greenfield, TN, with Bro. Billy Hanks officiating.

Family & friends will serve as pallbearers.  Tom Price will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Greenfield, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o William Leyhue, 3277 Stafford Store Road, Greenfield, TN 38230.