James E. "JR" Ross

James E. Ross, fondly known as JR, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on September 23, 1961, in Jackson, TN, he was the only child of the late Bradie and Mary Ann Hopkins Ross. He was a remarkable individual whose life was defined by kindness, service, and a commitment to his family and community. 

 A proud Boy Scout in his youth, JR developed a profound love for helping others while learning first aid and emergency preparedness. This love was what steered him towards a distinguished life-long career in healthcare. 

Growing up in Henderson, TN, he attended Chester County Schools. After graduation, he earned an AEMT and AAS degree from Jackson State Community College, as well as an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from Union University. His academic journey continued with a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama Birmingham. 

He worked as an EMT while attending nursing school, beginning a 39-year tenure at West Tennessee Healthcare. Throughout his career, he worked diligently and earned numerous accolades, ultimately rising from an RN to the role of President and CEO in 2017. His exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication were recognized through several honors, such as the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, the President’s Award for West Tennessee Healthcare, Tennessee Hospital Association CEO of Distinction, and American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year, among others.

JR was characterized by his humble, compassionate, and kind nature. He was not only a gentle giant but also a true servant leader who touched the lives of everyone he met. Beloved by many, he had the unique ability to make each person feel like they were the most important individual in the room. He was a mentor to many, always willing to lend a helping hand and support those around him. He was a visionary who highly respected those he met, and once you met him, you had a friend for life. Always calm in a crisis, he was the leader whom everyone trusted and looked to in the toughest of times.

JR lived by and regularly quoted Luke 12:48 – “to whom much is given, much is demanded, and to whom much is entrusted, much more will be asked.” His faithful walk and his relationship with Jesus Christ were evident in his life. A devoted member of Englewood Baptist Church, he served on various committees throughout the years. 

Family was the cornerstone of JR’s life. He cherished and was devoted to his wife of 32 years, Cindy Keel Ross, of Jackson, TN and was extremely proud of his daughters, Ashley and her husband J.T. Workman IV, of Clinton, KY, and Kelsey Ross of Jackson, TN. He was “Daddy R” to his grandchildren, Wes and Maddie Kate, who were the light of his life. His family remained his top priority, and he cherished every moment spent with them, whether he was involved in their activities or simply enjoying their company. 

In his personal time, JR found joy in piddling around in his garage and was happiest when on his tractor, bush hogging. He spent many nights riding the golf cart throughout the neighborhood with his rescue dog, Henderson. He had a deep love for good food and was known for walking around the hospital asking everyone, “What you got to eat?” His warm, welcoming personality made spending time with him a treasured experience. 

His commitment to service was evident in his dedication to the community by being active in numerous professional and civic organizations and serving in leadership positions. JR’s motto was “meeting the need and making a difference.” His absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate to have known him. 

SERVICES: The community is invited to gather and honor the life of this visionary leader, loving family man, and steadfast friend. JR’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Englewood Baptist Church with Dr. Ben Mandrell officiating. 

He will lie in state on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Englewood Baptist Church. There will be no visitation with the family present. His burial will be private for family only. 

Pallbearers to serve are Tony Barham, Todd Brown, Phil Butler, Rick Carroll, Jeff Davis, Joe Knox, and Wendell Miller. 

Honorary pallbearers are George Austin, Ed Graves, Ron Hill, Jim Moss, and Dennis Henderson (in memory). 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to the West Tennessee Boy Scouts of America, 1995 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38305, or online at www.westtnscouts.org, Hospice Home, c/o Hope and Healing Foundation, 569 Skyline Drive Suite 200, Jackson, TN, 38301, or online at www.wthhopeandhealing.org, or to Friends of Heart, P.O. Box 12393, Jackson, TN 38308 or online at www.friendsofheart.org. 

JR’s legacy of kindness, integrity, and love will endure in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he impacted throughout his extraordinary journey. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”     2 Timothy 4:7 

 Arrington Funeral Directors   148 W. University Parkway   Jackson, TN  38305     731-668-1111    arringtonfuneraldirectors.com

Webcasting: https://www.youtube.com/@EnglewoodBaptistChurchWorship/streams