James "Jim" Edward Pendergrast

James Edward Pendergrast, 86, of Smyrna, TN passed from his earthly journey into the presence of his savior, Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, surrounded by members of his family as they prayed and worshiped at his bedside.

Jim was the son of the late Roscoe and Mary Davis Pendergrast, and after his mother’s passing, while he was at the tender age of 2 years of age, received the love of the late Sally Brown Pendergrast, all of Murfreesboro, TN.

Upon his father’s signature and approval, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 16 and served 4 years from 1954 till 1958, beginning his stint of duty at Sewart Air Base in Smyrna, TN before serving 6 months abroad in Germany, Greece and France.

At the completion of his military service to his country, Jim served his country in a whole new way as an over the road Trucker for over 50 years. Taking produce, livestock and auto parts across virtually every highway, by-way and interstate across this great nation helping to put food on grocer’s shelves, restaurant tables and automobiles in people’s driveways throughout those years.

It was during those millions of miles driven where Jim enjoyed listening to ‘real’ country music and southern gospel of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s into the early 80’s that kept him rolling on the asphalt ribbons of America bringing him home on the weekends to be with his family where he enjoyed watching westerns and war movies, and enjoying ‘Trucker’ coffee while sharing stories of the road with anyone who would sit and drink around the kitchen table with him.

Jim, Jim-pa, Poppy, Toothpick, Dad or Daddy were the many names that he answered to over a full 86 years of life. Jim was hard working, and proud of his life’s work.

He is survived by his faithful and caring wife of 67 years, Nancy Ruth Pendergrast of Smyrna; His son, Mason Scott Pendergrast and wife Mary of Murfreesboro; daughter, Nancy Renee Smith and husband Alan of Smyrna; Sisters, Margaret Ivie, of Murfreesboro; Carolyn Moore of Murfreesboro; Joyce Silcox and husband Albert of Carthage; Brenda Woodard and husband Bill of Murfreesboro; Sandra Woodard of Murfreesboro; Peggy Jungwirth and husband Terry of Murfreesboro; and brother, Roscoe Pendergrast Jr. of Murfreesboro; Grandsons Joshua Mason and Caleb Lee Pendergrast of Murfreesboro; Jeremiah Alan Smith and wife Eden of LaVergne; Granddaughter Chelsey Renee Smith of Smyrna; and Great-granddaughter Allee Marie Pendergrast of Murfreesboro.

A visitation of family and friends and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 29th, 2025, beginning at 11am at Springhouse Church, 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna, TN 37167 with Reverend Ronnie Meek officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Springhouse Church Missions or the ASPCA in Jim’s name.