Knoxville, TN - James Jay Jernigan, age 79, passed peacefully on Dec. 26, 2025. Jay is now resting in the arms of Jesus after a prolonged battle with Parkinson's disease. Jay was born in Detroit, MI to Charlotte Tuohy and Ray Jernigan on Aug. 31,1946.

Jay enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, and anything outdoors. He loved woodworking and making crafty things. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always concerned about them.

Jay attended Chattanooga State Technical Institute 1964-1966 where he received an associate degree of engineering. He was employed at the Nevada test site 1967-1969. He joined the Navy in 1969 and served in Japan 1969-1972 in the field of computing. Jay received an associate degree of science in 1982 at Roane State Community College and received a bachelor of business at Bristol University in 2000. He was employed at the Oak Ridge plants, K-25, Y-12 and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 35 years where he retired in April 2008.

Jay is preceded in death by his father, James Ray Jernigan; mother, Charlotte Gaston Tuohy; sister, Shirley Jankalski; and mother-in-law, Thelma Nelson Mowell.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 43 years; sons, Eric (Mindy) Jernigan, Matt (Hester) Jernigan, Josh (Rebecca) Jernigan, Andrew (Allison) Clark and daughter, Amy (Eric) Chupak; grandchildren, Logan (Emily) Jernigan, John Jernigan, Taylor Smith, Ian (Ashley) Smith, Jessica-Gemmy (Coady) Perez-Gomez, Taber Jernigan, Madison (Jake) Coats, Camille Clark, Indy Clark, Erica (Daniel) Copeland, Erin (Nathan) Garner, Emyle (Grant) Denton; sister, Sue (Greg) Blaylock; brother, Robin (Maegan) Jernigan; great-grandchildren, Parker Copeland, Paxton Copeland, Luke Garner, Tatum Garner, Jonah Garner, James Denton, Teddy Perez-Gomez, Augie Perez-Gomez, Devy Perez-Gomez, Goldie Perez-Gomez, Owen Smith, Amelia Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews and many special friends.

The family is most grateful for the exemplary care the nurses and aids from Quality Private Duty Care provided from 2020-present. Thanks to all who took care of Jay like he was a family member.

Receiving of friends will be Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and funeral to follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel at Sharp Funeral Home. Jay's final resting place will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Jernigan family during this time of need.