James Bishop Obituary

James Wilkie Bishop

April 18, 1943 -

August 16, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - James (Jim) Wilkie Bishop, age 82, died Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Brookdale of Johnson City after a lengthy illness. He was born to Wilkie Snyder Bishop and Gladys Campbell Bishop on April 18, 1943 in Elizabethton. He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother and sister.

Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Deborah Morrell Bishop, son Allen Bishop, daughter Susan Tucker, grandchildren Reid Bishop and Reagan Bishop, sister "Betsy" Bishop and special friend Rev. Lon Tobin.

He was a 1965 graduate of Milligan College and a 1974 graduate of University of Memphis. Jim was a student of the Bible and taught Sunday School for many years. He was an active member of Central Baptist Church and looked forward to Sunday School and Wednesday night Bible classes. He especially enjoyed the Wednesday night dinners.

Jim was a railroad enthusiast and was a member of the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society until his illness progressed. He enjoyed researching the history of East TN and SW VA.

He loved his community. He helped establish the West Side Carter County Volunteer Fire Department in Elizabethton and served on the Carter County Chamber of Commerce. He was awarded Squadsman of the Year and served as Secretary/ Treasurer and Captain with the Carter County Rescue Squad.

Jim retired from TCAT-Elizabethton. He was a hard worker and had a varied career including farmer, teacher, principal, vocational rehabilitation counselor (Counselor of the Year), vocational education administrator and businessman. He later established a successful Christmas tree and shrubbery business and enjoyed working with regional growers. After retirement, Jim continued to farm and drove for regional trucking companies.

It was his wish to be cremated and inurnment at the Williams Cemetery on the Milligan College campus.

Deborah would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Elizabethton Amedisys Home Health/ Hospice and Brookdale of Johnson City for their loving care for "Mr. Jim." It will never be forgotten.

Hathaway Percy Funeral and Cremation Services of Elizabethton is serving the Bishop family.