James Ilar

James "Jimmy" Normand Ilar graduated to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 21st, 2024. Jim is proceeded in death by his father-in-law Dr. Jack L. Pemberton and grandparents Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Stansberry (Poppy & Gaymom), great-grandmother Beatrice "Mom Bea" Rathbone, and grandparents Madelyn & Norman Rathbone. Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kristi Ilar, daughters Molli Nyburg and husband Sam, Emmalee Hart and husband Len A. Hart, Lenzi Valedon and husband Jose, and youngest daughter Sarah Ilar. Grandchildren Jemmalee Atterson and husband Nicklas Atterson, Ilar "Woody" Valedon, Ilee Flo Valedon, Jolen "JoJo" Valedon, Oaklen James Hart, Hyland Jack Nyburg and Rali Beth, spiritual father Apostle Jerry E. Upton, mother-in-law Dianne Pemberton, sister Joy Lynn Ilar and children Cameron and Landon, brothers-in-law Jack Lee Pemberton, Daniel Pemberton and children Blake and Austin Pemberton.
Jim, as family and friends knew him, was an avid golfer, outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed his family every day he walked the earth and would do anything for his children and grandchildren whenever they needed help. Jim attended church at Honey Rock Victorious Church "Honey Rock" in Knoxville, TN. Honey Rock ministers to the inner city of Knoxville and throughout the nations. Jim has helped the ministry establish numerous churches and schools in North Africa, providing supplies, computers and food for the children of the area. In his younger life Jim enjoyed playing all sports, but especially football, which earned him a scholarship to ETSU in 1983. Jim was a four-year letterman and started as a freshman until his senior year, making the All-Conference team in the Southern Conferences. Jim has had the luxury of taking his wife and family to unbelievable destinations that most people can only enjoy in books and magazines and was able to fish almost everybody of water from the South to North and from the East to the West. Jim really enjoyed fly-fishing in upstate NY and out West in areas such as Yellowstone, Island Park, Snake River in Idaho, and Columbia River in Washington. There was never a time that Jim's wife Kristi did not accompany him on his adventures into the wild as he always wanted his wife and family near.
Jim worked within the Department of Energy for 32 years, being blessed to travel throughout the United States performing consulting work in the areas of Health and Safety and Industrial Hygiene. He has established a large network of business acquaintances and friends throughout the years wherever his travels have taken him.
The receiving of friends will be held on Friday December 27th, 2024, from 6 – 8 P.M. followed by A Celebration of Life with Apostle Jerry Upton officiating at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, TN. The family will have a private graveside ceremony held at the Ilar family farm. www.holleygamble.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the following
American Kidney Foundation, www.kidneyfund.org
Honey Rock Victorious Church, 4113 Holston Drive Knoxville, TN 37914