Mr. James "Jim" Fields' Obituary
James Winchell Fields (Jim) was born on December 11, 1944 to Willie Carl Fields and Myrtle Mae Gunn. He was born in Nashville, TN and had five siblings, Bobby Campbell, Scotty, Gene and Johnny Fields and Lula Belle Hall. They were raised in East Nashville where Jim graduated from Hume Fogg High School in 1963.
Jim’s children are his two sons, Van and Bryan Fields, daughter Meshel Fields and stepdaughters, Amy Reeder and Lesa Walker. Jim married their mom, Tina Ann Piatt of Winchester TN in 1977. Jim has nine grandsons and twelve great grandchildren. He had a special bond with each of the grandsons: James Fields, his namesake, Adam and Eric Arnold, Jacob Williams, Chance Bissinger, Colton and Clay Walker, and Matthew and Mason Reeder.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, his children Van and Meshel and his loving wife of 43 years, Tina Fields. He and Tina lived in Ashland City for the last 40 years.
Jim worked for the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation as a draftsman, bridge designer, and Civil Engineer for over fifty years. He helped design many bridges throughout the state and was very respected in his profession. He began work for the State in 1963 as a draftsman and held the title of Engineering Supervisor when he officially retired in 2015. Known to his work friends as Jamie, he developed close friendships that continued, even after retirement, and he often spent time lunching and reminiscing with those friends. He cherished these relationships greatly.
Jim absolutely loved the beach; Panama City was his favorite and he and Tina traveled there many times and even owned a place there for a few years. They also enjoyed going to flea markets, the Goodwill and yard sales together where they always found a treasure! Jim loved a great deal and scoffed at name brands, except for Amazon! Jim enjoyed surprising Tina with jewelry and always brought her flowers and candy on her birthday and every anniversary or holiday. His thoughtfulness was an impressive thing!
Jim could talk anyone under the table, especially about Bama football and the greatest Presidents ever, Ronald Reagan and Donald J Trump. Jim became a fan of Bama because he respected and admired Coach Paul Bear Bryant so much. Jim’s conservatism was no secret and conspiracy theories were often the talk of the day. He enjoyed a friendly ‘discussion’ about these theories any chance he could. Jim holds the record for “world’s slowest eater” in his family because he was always talking instead of eating!
Jim loved to play chess, enjoy a cigar and a beer while watching the birds and squirrels and look up a YouTube video on what to air fry next. Jim loved babies and believed in Jesus and celebrating birthdays. He enjoyed REAL country music by George Jones and Merle Haggard.
Jim made this world a better place in his 78 years with his generosity, kindness, and patience and will be forever loved and greatly missed.
For those wishing to make charitable contributions in Jim's memory, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by clicking HERE.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Spring Hill Funeral Home, with the family receiving visitors from 12pm until the time of the service.
Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Mr. Fields. 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
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