James “Jim” Lee Ensign, Jr., 89, of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, passed away peacefully Monday, August 28th, 2023 at home where he was surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was born on February 5, 1934 to James Lee and Wilma Eldridge Ensign and was raised in Rossville, GA. He attended Missionary Ridge Elementary School and graduated from The McCallie School in 1952. He was a 1956 graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina. Following graduation from Davidson, he proudly served in the U.S. Army.
After completing his military service, Jim embarked on a career in banking at American National Bank and Trust, Co., today known as Truist, where he spent multiple decades in various positions before retiring.
In addition to his long banking career, Jim was also very active in the local community. He was involved with the government of the City of Lookout Mountain, GA for over 16 years. During this period, he served as a member of the City Council, Vice Mayor and eventually Mayor of Lookout Mountain. He also held several board positions at the Fairyland Club, including one term as President. Jim served on the board at Chambliss Center for Children and was active with several other charitable organizations after he retired.
Jim was an avid tennis player and could frequently be found on the court with his wife Martha and a group of close friends. His ability to retrieve and return difficult shots was legendary and his opponents affectionately nicknamed him “The Garbageman” for his impressive defensive skills. In addition to tennis, Jim was a talented gardener, who inherited his green thumb from his father, James Ensign, Sr. Together with his wife Martha, Jim loved to travel and took countless trips around the globe. The couple especially enjoyed spending many memorable winters in Anna Maria, Florida.
Jim was a long-time member of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain.
Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well as a loyal brother to Bill, whom he spoke with daily. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years Martha Shamhart Ensign, grandson Jack Wright, son-in-law Lee Wright, sister-in-law Connelly Ensign, and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents James Lee and Wilma Ensign, brother William Eldridge Ensign, and daughter Christie Ensign Wright.
The family will be holding a graveside service on Friday, September 1st at 3pm ET at Forest Hills Cemetery.