James Christian "Chris" West

James Christian "Chris" West, age 60, of Piperton, Tennessee, passed away suddenly at his home on August 3, 2025.

Chris was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a true original. Born in 1965 to Richard Gary and Marilyn West, Chris grew up wild and fast on his feet, a mischievous kid with a love of adventure. That untamable energy eventually transformed into a lifelong passion for fitness, bodybuilding, and working with his hands. What began as a lanky kid trying to gain strength turned into a mountain of a man known for his muscle tees (or no shirt at all), his Hulk-style shirt-ripping antics, and a heart even bigger than his biceps.

Chris proudly devoted 35 years of his life to FedEx as an aircraft mechanic. His career began in the maintenance trainee program in Los Angeles, and through hard work and dedication, he worked his way up to senior lead aircraft mechanic in Memphis. The friendships he built with his colleagues ran deep, rooted in loyalty and laughter. They developed a sense of family that lasts a lifetime. Chris' legacy at FedEx will be remembered far beyond the hangar, flight line, and engine shop.

He was a master of the grill, and spent years competing at Memphis in May's World Championship BBQ Contest, finally bringing home top honors for ribs. He loved to cook not just for the glory, but because it made people happy. That was Chris in a nutshell: bring people together, feed them, and make them laugh.

Chris married his one true love, Ronda Parker West, his best friend Alan's sister, just shy of 30 years ago. Together, they raised their son Parker, his pride and joy, whom he adored fiercely. He built a beautiful life filled with laughter, loud music, early mornings, garage projects, and weekend escapes to hunt, fish, or just breathe in the outdoors.

Chris was the embodiment of Memphis-meets-Miami: colorful Hawaiian shirts, fine cigars, classic cars, and an infectious, irreverent sense of humor. He didn't just live life, he flexed at it.

He is survived by his loving wife Ronda and their son Parker, his father Richard Gary West (from whom he inherited his love of Hawaiian shirts), his siblings Rick West (Lisa), Jennifer Sammons (Jack), and Leah Jones (Les), his beloved dog Olive, and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, outlaws, BBQ teammates, FedEx family, gym friends, and lucky strangers who crossed his path. He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. And in his honor, wear a Hawaiian shirt to a formal event, have a cigar if the mood hits, or throw back a shot of something strong, preferably while grilling something meat-heavy with classic rock turned all the way up.

A Celebration of Life for Chris will be held at Memphis Botanic Garden in the Goldsmith Room, Thursday August 14, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Hawaiian shirts were Chris' trademark. We'd love for you to wear one as we gather to remember him.