James Riley Craighead Jr.

James Riley Craighead Jr., age 77 of Hendersonville, TN passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022. He was born on June 10, 1945 to the late James Riley Craighead Sr. and Ethel Mae Craighead.

Mr. Craighead, a resident of Hendersonville for many years, owned and operated Jim’s Paint and Body Shop and also had a long-time partnership with Farr Motor Company. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his helpful nature, as he would literally give you the shirt off his back. A life-long lover of sports, he enjoyed playing football in his younger years and was always a fan. He enjoyed bowling as well but he truly loved playing golf. He was also active as a coach in youth sports throughout the years.

Mr. Craighead was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Polly Gibson. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Lee Craighead; daughters, Patricia (Kenny) Bain and Peggy (Virgle) Merritt; son, Jimmy (Dana) Craighead; brother, Jimmy (Lu) Craighead; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and devoted friend for many years, Lorena Traughber.

A celebration of Mr. Craighead’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, October 24, 2022 in the Chapel at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside. The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 23, 2022 and from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service on Monday at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville.
A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 26, 2022 in Crestview Memory Gardens in Gallatin, TN.