James “Jim” Albert Worthington, III passed away peacefully on May 9, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 64.
Jimbo, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends growing up on the Baylor School campus, was born August 30, 1953 in Chattanooga. He was the first of three boys born to Jim and Sallye Worthington. In 1980 he married his wife of 38 years, Rebecca “Becki” Smith Worthington, with whom he raised their daughter, Michelle.
Jim attended Hiwassee College, after his graduation from Red Bank High School, where he was actively involved in the school’s Christian Life Program. Thereafter, he attended the nationally acclaimed Oklahoma Farriers College and studied under the renown Master Farrier, Bud Beaston, pursuing his lifelong love for all things equestrian. While having first met in high school, it was through their mutual love of horses that Jim and Becki reconnected years later. They shared this passion with Michelle and built fun and prideful memories traveling to countless horse shows over the years as Jim both coached Michelle, others, and competed himself. Jim belonged to numerous local and national equine organizations and was active as a leader in 4-H and the Hamilton County Fair agricultural exhibitions.
He will be remembered by all as a sweet and kind man, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. But he will be remembered most, by those who knew him best, for his genuine and selfless heart, always putting others before himself, and for the courage and optimism he always modeled throughout a lifetime of health challenges.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Sallye, and his grandson, William. He is survived by Becki, Michelle, his dad Jim, brothers Bob (Piper) and Bill (Leslie) and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 5:00 in the chapel at Lane Funeral Home in Chattanooga. The family will receive friends immediately thereafter. Becki has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baylor School in Jim’s honor to benefit his beloved Baylor wrestling program.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN, 423-877-3524, www.lanefh.com.