James Willis Mines

James Willis Mines, Jr., age 56, passed away peacefully at his home in Hillsboro, Tennessee, on January 18, 2026. A lifelong resident of the area, James was born in Tullahoma on May 21, 1969, to James Willis Mines and Annie Mae Martin Keller.
James was a man of many passions, but none ran deeper than his love for the outdoors. A dedicated coin collector and music lover, he was truly at peace when he was near the water. His deepest passion was fishing, a hobby he shared faithfully with his lifelong best friend and fishing buddy, Troy Steele.
Known affectionately by his family as the "Sleepwalking Chef," James provided years of laughter and fond memories for his loved ones, who often caught him at the stove cooking full meals while fast asleep. His love for a good meal was only surpassed by his love for the people he shared them with. Above all, James cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
James is survived by his love of over 20 years, his wife, Hattie Sue Mines; his mother, Annie (Gary) Keller; his grandparents, Harry and Betty Burt; his step-mother, Kathy (Bobby) Witte. His legacy lives on through his children: Elizabeth Kingery (Dustin Chamlee), Samantha Martin, "Lil" Jamie Martin, and Brandon Shelton; and his beloved grandson, Jackson Chamlee.
He also leaves behind his siblings: Troy A. Boyd, Stephanie (Jimbo) Faxon, Amber (Kerri Wood) Mines, Samantha Mines Winton, as well as a many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other extended family.
James was preceded in death by his grandparents, Felix and Rachel Mines, Hoyt and Eula Mae Martin, Dorothy Snow, Harold and Judy Keller; his father, James Willis Mines, and his father-in-law, "Papa" Charles E. Casteel and his sister, Tishia (Troy) Boyd.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life at the Christian Light House Fellowship Hall in Tullahoma (located on Old Manchester Highway). Dates and times for the service will be updated in the near future.