James Carl Bellamy

James Carl Bellamy

Nashville - James Carl Bellamy, age 94, passed from this life on February 26, 2021 in Nashville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Maxwell Bellamy and Mamie Moery Bellamy, stepmother Mellie Ree Smith, brother Robert Moery Bellamy, sister- in-law Nancy Crotzer Bellamy, his wife of 65 years Marie Brakebill Bellamy and step great granddaughter Savannah M. Hyden.

He is survived by his son Jimmy Bellamy Jr, daughter Janet Bellamy Warfield (Bill), granddaughter Carly Ezell Warfield, his nieces and nephews.

Jim was born on October 15, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. Shortly after he was born, his family moved back to Indian Mound, TN. He spent much of his childhood in Clarksville and attended Clarksville High School where he was elected president of his senior class. After graduating from high school in 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard ship in the Pacific during World War II. He was selected as his ship's signalman and earned three medals.

Following the war, he attended the University of Tennessee on the GI bill where he had much fun with his Sigma Chi fraternity brothers, cheered on the Vols and met the love of his life, Marie, in the "B" registration line in 1948.

After graduating from UT, he began working for the National Life and Accident Insurance Company where he was employed for 37 years. His career with National Life afforded him and Marie the opportunity to travel the world together. He was serving as Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors when he retired in 1986. He then worked with SouthLife Holding Company as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer before he officially retired in 1991.

Jim was a Chartered Life Underwriter. He was a member of Hillwood Country Club and a past board member. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Nashville, the YMCA, and the University of Tennessee's President Council. He could be found most holiday seasons "ringing the bell" for the Salvation Army in downtown Nashville.

Jim's blood ran deep orange. He and Marie spent many Saturdays in the fall in Knoxville with family and friends watching the Big Orange play football. He was a UT Presidents Club Member for over 35 years. He played in golf tournaments with UT coaches Johnny Majors, Doug Dickey and Phillip Fulmer.

Once retired, Jim enjoyed golfing, lunches with the Kiwanis Club of Nashville, weekly Friday night dinners with close friends at HCC and spending time with Marie and family. He was a devoted member of Brook Hollow Baptist Church for over 60 years. Jim will be remembered by those who loved him for his genial personality, great sense of humor and love for Marie, family and friends.

His family is grateful for the compassion shown to him by the caregivers and staff of Woodcrest at Blakeford where Jim lived the last three years as well as the staff at Alive Hospice. Deana, Delores, Elizabeth, Ina, Lora, Myrtessa, Richard, Santilya and Suzette cared for him each day with selflessness and grace and are the true heroes in this community.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Woodlawn Memorial Park in the Terrace Garden. The Reverend Tom Gholson will officiate. Please remember to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brook Hollow Baptist Church Memorial Fund, The Salvation Army, Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.