James "Jim" F. Pilkinton, 83, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 due to injuries sustained from an accidental fall at home, just 5 days after his 83rd birthday celebration.  He was a long-standing member of the Quiet Birdmen.

Jim was born to Fred Clayton Pilkinton and Clora Wynelle Thompson on October 4, 1941 in Lawrence County, Tennessee.

While growing up in the small town of Ethridge, he was occupied by the typical activities of young men in that era: Scouts, hot rods, military, and aviation.  His love of aviation led to a pilot's license when he soloed in September 1958 at the age of 16.  Later, he joined the Tennessee Army National Guard and was a member of the Armor unit at Lawrenceburg, eventually moving to an aviation unit at Smyrna, Tennessee where he was a Staff Sergeant.  Jim graduated from Lawrence County High School.  His desire to fly led to a close association and friendship with the Fleeman family and Fleeman Aviation at what is now the Lawrenceburg - Lawrence County Airport.  His technical abilities, good nature, and calm demeanor opened the door to his career as an aviator for such companies as CONALCO at Mt. Pleasant, North American Royalties, Krystal Aviation at Chattanooga, and eventually Olan Mills Flight Department located at Lovell Field in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he often flew a Canadair jet all over the United States and England.

In 1984 he married Kay Walker of Ooltewah, Tennessee who survives him. They spent 40 happy years of marriage and adventures together.  He retired from Olan Mills and pursued his other lifelong hobby of boating.  With his wife Kay, and joined periodically by friends and family, he boated all over the waters of the Tennessee River, Tom Bigby and even into the Gulf of Mexico and the shores of Florida and Alabama, eventually returning to Chattanooga.  His final years were spent surrounded by a loving and ever-growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren - whom he doted on and who loved him too.

Jim, as he was known to family, lived his best life and appreciated it too, having recently told family members that he had had a great life.  He was a kind, intelligent, skillful and loving man who was loved and admired by family, friends and acquaintances.  Jim was a Christian man of faith.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Eddie Keck.

Jim is survived by his wife Kay; sons, Jim Pilkinton Jr. (Bobbie) and Gary Keck (Cindy); grandchildren, Jessica Turner (Matthew), Trevor Keck, Cody Keck (Katlyn), Rachel Pilkinton (fiancée Grady Murphy), and Collin Pilkinton; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jimmy Thompson, and many Pilkinton cousins of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, as well as a host of special close friends and coworkers from his aviation days and boating adventures – whom he thought the world of.

Jim would love that you donate to St Jude's or Wounded Warriors in lieu of flowers.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home @ Hwy 58.  A visitation will also be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.  The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Pastor Rob Borders officiating.

Pallbearers: Keith Smith, Warren Smith, Ryan Smith, Richard "Goose" Manning, Drew Manning, Matt Howington and Jesse Carter.

Honorary Pallbearers: The Quiet Birdmen.

Jim will be laid to rest in Hamilton Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook.