James “Jim” Ralph Long, 74, passed peacefully in his favorite chair surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Manchester, TN. Jim was born July 24, 1949 in Elkton, MD to his parents, Howard Thomas Long Jr. and Margaret Ruth Long (Lauer). Jim served alongside his brother, Tom, for two tours for his country during the Vietnam War. He worked his way up to a Sergeant in the Army as Military Police and received four medals. After Vietnam, he served as a police officer in his hometown as well as a sheriff’s deputy in Coffee County. He worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family through multiple small businesses: Jiffy Burger Jr., Long’s Meat Processing, Long’s Expeditors, Volunteer Pressure Washing, as well as a bus driver for Coffee County Schools, supervisor for 3D Financial and so many more. He loved to serve his community by volunteering as Santa at various events. He was also an active member of his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Tullahoma Ward. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, bowling, telling long stories and somewhat funny jokes, and occasionally winning games with his family. Jim was preceded in death by both parents and his brother Howard Thomas Long III. He was survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet Marie Long (Fuller) and his eight children, Crystal Scalf, Jimmy Long (Kenna), Clint Long, Sarah Long (Andrew), Kathy Cooley (Jared), Peggy Long, Jacob Long (Tasha), and Jessie Turley (Cody). He was a proud Pop Pop to his 19 grandchildren, Camden, Iris, Hayden, Zara (Josh), Ian, Kai, Zoey, Charlee, Zayne, Kaleb, Barrett, Wyland, Alyssa, Gideon, Abel, Ezra, Eli, Levi, May, 1 great-grandson, Orion, with one on the way. He was also survived by his brothers Steve Long (Eileen), Phil Long, Dale Long and Billy Henry (Amanda) and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held Monday, Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Funeral services was held Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Central Funeral Home. Burial followed at Wiser’s Bluff Cemetery on Noah Road in Beechgrove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Jim’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Long family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com