James (Jim) E Underwood of Dyersburg, TN died in the early morning on Friday, May 28, 2021. He was born on April 30, 1946 in Bakersfield, CA to Mr. Sherman F Underwood and Mrs. Mary Martha Cribbs Underwood.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Trish O'Brien. He is survived by his son Eddie Underwood (Elizabeth) of Hoover, AL, his daughter Susanne Shore (David) of Alpharetta, GA, and his son Tim Underwood (Jennifer) of Pulaski, TN; grandchildren Christopher Mokros, Jr, Ivy Underwood, Anna Katherine Underwood, Jack Underwood, Olivia Mokros, Mary Grace Underwood, Ashley Shore, and Allyson Shore. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Martha Sherman Underwood of Nashville, TN and Jann Underwood of Murfreesboro and his childhood and life-long friend, Tom Pitts, and his sisters-in-law, Ginny (Bill) Acree and Madeline (Bill) White.

Jim grew up in Dyersburg and was a 1964 graduate of DHS. While growing up in Dyersburg, Jim was a Golden Gloves boxer and DHS football and baseball letterman. After his marriage to Trish O'Brien, he moved to Memphis, TN and later Charlotte, NC for work where the two of them raised their children. Jim worked hard and moved up quickly in the meat packing business, first with Cribbs Sausage and later John Morrell. Jim also found time to coach basketball at St. Michael's School in Memphis and in Charlotte, NC. He later coached baseball in the Babe Ruth league in Dyersburg. In 1985 Jim and his family returned to Dyersburg, a place that he always called home. Jim and his wife Trish took ownership of Marr Cleaners in downtown Dyersburg, which he continued to own and operate until his death. Jim and his family would like to give a special thanks to Pennye French and Teresa Epperson who worked for him at Marr Cleaners and were very dear friends to him.

Family was very special to Jim and, when he was healthy, he loved visiting his children and grandchildren, especially, attending their sporting events. He was known to spend an entire day at a ballpark encouraging his grandkids and umpires alike. Jim made friends easily, and friends of his children and sisters soon became his own.  Not surprising, Christmas was Jim's favorite time of year, as he enjoyed giving to others and spending time with his family and grandchildren.  He relished his Santa suit and enjoyed the smiles it made.

Jim's favorite place to be was in his hometown of Dyersburg. It was the people of Dyersburg, his friends, breakfast buddies, and his faith community at West Dyersburg Church of Christ that always held a special place in his heart. To know Jim was to love him. He enjoyed telling stories, even if you'd heard them before. He loved getting together with his friends and former classmates to reminisce and laugh.

Despite Jim's recent serious health issues, he was determined to return to his home, get better and spend as much time as possible with his family and friends. While his children, grandchildren, sisters, and all his friends will miss him dearly, there is comfort knowing that he found peace, contentment, and healing. Jim believed in family and friendship. His legacy will be that of a caring father, adoring grandfather, loving brother, and a good friend who was generous to others.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Chamblee officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jack Underwood, Christopher Mokros, Chris Young, Tom Pitts, Bill White and Rick Crawford. Honorary pallbearers will be Anna Katherine Underwood, Olivia Mokros, Ivy Underwood and Mary Grace Underwood.

Memorials may be directed to St Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.