James Melvin Cripps

James Melvin Cripps, 76, of Ashland City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 19, 1949, in Nashville, Tennessee, James lived a life of purpose, grit, and faith. In 1967, he made two lifelong commitments , he volunteered to serve in the United States Army, and he married the love of his life, Sandra Lee (Bissinger) Cripps. Together they built an amazing life that was as strong as it was enduring.

During his Army service, James drove for the commanding general at Fort Gordon, Georgia, later serving as a Game Warden and Military Policeman. It was during that time that he was exposed to Agent Orange, a toxin that would challenge his health for the rest of his life but never his spirit.

After leaving the military, James worked as a mechanic and retired from Exxon in 1985. He founded Custom Wood Products Inc., where he designed and built one of a kind hand-crafted custom furniture for Nashville’s finest homes and families , including those of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jeannie C. Riley, and many others. His work was as sturdy and beautiful as the character of the man who built it.

In 1977, James and Sandra bought 35+ acres in Ashland City, where they raised their children and built, quite literally, their family home, with James’ own two hands. The first thing he ever built there was a doghouse; the second was the family house that still stands as a testament to his ingenuity and determination. He never said the word can’t unless it was followed by yet.

James was a devoted husband, father, and “Pappa.” He taught his children to hunt, fish, pray, and play. Life on Petway was full of life , twice-a-day fishing in the summer, twice-a-day hunting in the winter, laughter around every corner, and faith at the center of it all.

In 1997, on his 48th birthday, James suffered a massive heart attack. His brother John’s quick actions saved his life, beginning a new chapter of resilience that would define the decades that followed. When doctors told him he might have ten years left, he proved them wrong, he fought for twenty-eight more.

Never one to accept injustice, James spent years researching his own medical conditions and uncovered undeniable proof that Agent Orange had been used inside the continental United States. The military initially denied it, but James Melvin Cripps became the man who proved it. His courage and persistence changed history, leading the government to acknowledge the truth and paving the way for countless veterans to receive the benefits they deserved.

Through that mission, he discovered his purpose: helping other veterans win their battles with the VA. He founded the United States Veterans Alliance (USVA) with a handful of friends who shared his determination. Today, more than forty of their members are recognized as 100% disabled veterans, a testament to his relentless advocacy.

Beyond his mission, James was a craftsman, car lover, hunter, storyteller, and the very definition of a family man. He was a friend to all who needed help and a champion for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Even as illness took its toll, he never complained, he simply found new missions, new people to help, and new ways to smile.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Sandra Lee Cripps; his son Jim Cripps (wife Emily) and grandson Castle Cripps; his daughter Mandy Plemons (husband Nathan) and granddaughters Alex and Avery McCormick, Samantha Plemons & grandson Chris Plemons; his daughter Lauren Spence and grandchildren Ally, Nicki, Toby; his brother and lifelong best friend John Cripps; and his sisters Ann Uy and Suzi Stafford.

He was preceded in death by dear friends Floyd Barnes, Henry Barnes, Harry Horner, and Jim Lee, a group he loved like brothers.

James Melvin Cripps lived 28,023 days, each one filled with purpose, laughter, faith, and love. Like the carpenter he was, he built not only furniture but a legacy that will stand the test of time.

As his family and friends bow their heads, we know: “God has blessed the man who built the beds”

The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Wednesday, October 22nd from three o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening at West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory, 6962 Charlottle Pike in Nashville. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 23rd at eleven thirty in the morning with visiting prior to the service starting at ten o'clock in the morning. The committal service will immediately follow at two o'clock in the afternoon, via an escorted cortege, at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane in Nashville.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations to be made to the United States Veterans Alliance (USVA). This can be done by contacting Bobby Phillips at 615-476-1796.