Tullahoma News – May 13, 2026 James Edward “Jimmy” Penn, 88, of Normandy died May 3, 2026.

Graveside Services were held Friday, May 8 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Pastors Dave McIntyre and Laurie Raulston officiating. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Moody Penn and Bertha Iona Tankersley Penn; brothers, Jack Ethridge Penn and Alan Roy Penn.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Daniel Penn several nieces and nephews and his precious four-legged family. Jimmy was an avid race fan and had many fast cars himself, including seven Corvettes. People and friends would come from miles around to see the new car that he had just gotten. Before being driven, he would always rework the engine and clutch to make it one of the fastest cars in the area.

He helped build George Dickel Distillery and worked as Maintenance Supervisor at the Distillery for many years. This is where he met his wife, Linda, and they were married for 58 years. After his employment at the distillery, he worked at Schmiede Machine & Tool where he rebuilt high tech machines. Jimmy was also known as one of the best electricians in the area. He left Schmiede Machine & Tool to start his own business called Antenna Service & Supply, where he installed residential and commercial TV antenna systems and towers. He was known as the man to call if you wanted the best TV reception. On his own property, he climbed and built from the ground a 100-foot and 200-foot tower where one still stands.

He and his wife enjoyed going to music concerts, which included 11 Elvis Presley Concerts, Frank Sinatra, Bee Gees, Beach Boys and many others. He and his wife have a love for animals and have given homes and love too many stray and abandoned dogs and cats over the years.

Hillcrest Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.