James Edgar "Jet" Tate III

James Edgar Tate III, known as Jet, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19th, 2026, with his family by his side. Jet was a lifelong Memphian, Born May 13th, 1948. Son of James Edgar Tate Jr and Virginia Hughes Tate.

Jet grew up in Midtown Memphis and attended St. Dominic School for Boys, Christian Brothers High School, and Central High School. Jet Tate was a talented athlete growing up and went on to play football at the University of Southern Mississippi during his freshman year of college. Somehow, Jet graduated from college in 5 years even though he went to 6 or 7 colleges…It was hard to keep count. During college, Jet had a chance encounter in front of the Memphis Zoo on February 15th, 1972, by meeting Elizabeth McCormick, better known to him as "My Betsy" …Betsy and Jet wed at Grace St Lukes Episcopal church in Midtown Memphis, December 29th, 1973. Jet had always been an avid traveler…which led to an amazing 86-day honeymoon to Europe, which included travel to 15 countries. He had a dual career. He was a commercial and industrial real estate appraiser and worked in hotel management.

Jet is survived by his loving wife, Betsy McCormick Tate, son Morgan Tate (Suzanne), son James Edgar Tate IV, and daughter Virginia Hughes Bennett (Louis). Grandchildren Rose Tate (8) and Benjamin Tate (6), both of Memphis, TN. William Bennett (17) and Laurel Bennett (13) of Lebanon, Tennessee.

Jet's stories will continue to be shared forever by his friends and family.

The best qualities of Jet's fabulous journey were his gift for storytelling and his unwavering love for his family and friends, but especially "My Betsy ".

In Lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Jet's memory to St Dominic School for Boys, Grace St Lukes Episcopal Church, or Old Trinity in the Fields Episcopal Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.