The Kimbrel family would like to announce the peaceful passing of James ( Jimmy ) Kimbrel after a long battle with heart disease and diabetes, he was 78 Years old. He was the son of the late Jim and

Betty Welborn Kimbrel of Elizabethton. He was a 1965 graduate of EHS. After graduation he volunteered and enlisted in the Marines with two childhood friends David Shell and Roger Perry, of which all were Vietnam Veterans.

After his military service he married his first wife the late Anna Jane Ornduff, who Blessed him with two sons, James Eric Kimbrel IV of Brevard, NC and John Kraig Kimbrel and wife Ashley Cable Kimbrel of Elizabethton TN. His second wife Barbara Ann Hill, also Blessed Jimmy with two sons, Brian Keith Kimbrel of Elizabethton and Ryan Heath Kimbrel, wife Victoria Hopson Kimbrel and grandchildren, Jameson and Amelia of Watauga, TN.

He was an Eastman Chemical retiree with 31 years of service as a chemical operator in the Polymers Division. He was an active volunteer with the local Appalachian Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and very happy to see elk released back in Tennessee, VA, NC and KY.

Also surviving Jimmy are two grandchildren River, Anna Kimbrel and great grandchildren Kingston and KJ of Elizabethton, two sisters Teresa Jane Baird and Sharon ( Sherry ) and Mike Street, also of Elizabethton as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Those who are considering memorials, in lieu of flowers please consider donations to Shriners or St. Judes Hospitals. The family would like to thank Gentiva, Silver Angels, the V.A., and all the health care professionals that took such great care of him. Condolences may be sent to our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com

Memorial funeral home is honored to serve the Kimbrel family.