08/04/2026
Prayers for the family of our fellow Rotarian and former District Governor ❤️
Mr. James Gerald Devlin (Jim), passed peacefully away surrounded by family at home in Wartrace on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026. He was born February 22, 1939 to Irish immigrants in Manhattan, New York where he learned appreciation for family, learning, and service in all areas of his life. Jim graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, New York, and later earned his B.S. in Business from the Indiana State University, Evansville. He was a lifelong learner, listening to hundreds of books, NPR, and even taught himself Spanish and Russian. Jim also served four years as a paratrooper in the Army. After completing his military service, Jim went on to build a career in Evansville, Indiana, working in the restaurant industry. He learned the business from the ground up and developed a reputation for being a hardworking and effective leader. Jim believed in doing a job well, treating people fairly, and earning respect through action rather than words alone. Jim’s success in Evansville eventually led him to a position of greater responsibility as the supervisor of ten McDonald’s restaurants. In 1978, Jim became a McDonald’s restaurant operator, buying his first store in Tullahoma, TN and eventually owning eight stores in the Middle Tennessee area and retiring after 42 years with the company.
In addition to a very successful career, Jim was also a servant leader in the community. He actively led fundraising campaigns for both the Tullahoma Hands-on-Science Center and the Serenity House in Tullahoma. He was blessed with 60 years of sobriety and wanted to leave a legacy of hope and recovery for future generations. Jim also served as a board member for the Tullahoma Educational Foundation, President for the Tullahoma Noon Rotary Club, District Governor for Rotary District 6780, and President of the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Theresa. He is also survived by his children, Karen (Mike) Montague, Kevin Devlin, Terry Devlin, and Kim (Steve) Jamell. He was a proud grandfather to Mitchell (Alicia) Devlin, Alex (Angela) Montague, Brooke (Willie) Arthur, Ethan (Heather) Montague, Andrew (Veronica) Montague, Nick (Sierra) Jamell, Daniel Jamell, Linsy Devlin, Laila Montague, Gabe Jamell, Carolyn Montague, and Catrina Montague. He also delighted in his great-grandchildren, Kiley Arthur, Jackson Arthur, Macie Arthur, Phillip Lemmon, Aiden Montague, Maddie Devlin, Daisy Montague, Rory Jamell, Abigail Montague, David Montague, Evelyn Montague, and Penelope Jamell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Terence, and his siblings, Marie (Ray) Fine, John (Pat) Devlin, and Tessie Lalino. He was a loving and supportive brother to his sister, Peggy Arguinzoni, and brother, Terry (Carol) Devlin, and a much-loved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every gathering, milestone, and opportunity to be present and helpful in the lives of those he loved.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 at Kilgore Funeral Home from 5:00-7:30pm, with a vigil service to begin at 7:30pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 6th, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Father Stephen Klasek officiating. Interment will occur at a later date. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Serenity House at 313 Noth Collins Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Jim lived a life of love, humility, hard work, and service; he leaves these values as a legacy for his family.
