Dr. Jimmy Conner Tumblin

Dr. Jimmy "Jim" Conner Tumblin – age 95, passed away on June 3, 2022 at Beverly Park Place in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was ready to cross over the River to see loved ones that have gone on before.

 He will be remembered as a beloved brother, uncle, and friend. Jim loved Fountain City and Northside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was a distinguished Eagle Scout and later proudly served his country in the United States Navy and the United States Army. Jim attended Milligan College (1944-1945), University of Michigan (1945-1946), and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry (1946-1948). He was awarded Doctor of Ocular Science from Illinois College of Optometry in 1973.

He had a distinguished and innovative career and was active at the national level. A few of his accolades include: Chief, Optometry Clinic (USAH) Ft. Belvoir, VA; President, Tennessee Optometric Association, 1962-1963; President (A.O.A.) American Optometric Association 1972-1973; Vice President and Director of Research, Optometric Extension Program Foundation, 1974 – 1983; Optometrist of the Year Award from the Tennessee Optometric Association in 1975; and President, Optometric Extension Program Foundation 1983-1987. During his career he helped many children in our area overcome learning disabilities. Jim was a Scholar and friend to all. Jim was also a writer, first class storyteller, Fountain City Historian, who loved music and Ernest Hemingway. After age 75, Jim wrote two bestselling books on Fountain City History. He was honored to be married over 54 years to the love of his life, Evelyn Lorraine “Peggy” Tumblin. Jim was very active in his community serving as Deacon/Elder, Northside Christian Church 1962-1992; Board Member, Fountain City Town Hall, 1990-1996; Member, Fountain City Business and Professional Association, 1991 – present; Member, East Tennessee Historical Society, 1970 – present; Member, East Tennessee Computer Society, 1988-present; Member, Genealogy Special Interest Group (ETICS), 1991 – present; Charter Member, Knoxville Civil War Roundtable, 1983 – present; President, Knoxville Civil War Roundtable, 1992-1993 and 1993-1994. The family will receive friends at Northside Christian Church, 4008 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37918 on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with a funeral service at 7:00 PM officiated by Rev. Frits Haverkamp. The family and friends will gather on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10:45 AM at Lynnhurst Cemetery for an 11:00 AM graveside service. Please make donations to The East Tennessee Historical Society Calvin McClung Historical Collection or Northside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Tumblin Family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.gentrygriffey.com

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