James Ennes Woolston, Sr., age 68, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on January 27, 2026.

Jim was born on July 24, 1957, in Augsburg, Germany. He loved his country deeply and proudly served it as a United States Navy veteran, carrying that pride with him throughout his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Virginia Woolston; his brother, Ed Woolston; and his nephew, David Allen Woolston.

He is survived by his wife, Lina Woolston; his children, Jayme Woolston Dix, James “Jimmy” Woolston, Jr., Diana Elkins, Whitney (Anthony) Lippert, and Maria Norakh. He was proudly known as “Pappy” to Raine Woolston, Summer Woolston, James “Trey” Woolston III, Jackson (Brooklyn) Elkins, Shyla Belcher, Jerica (Landon) Christian, and Ronin Lippert, and as Great-Grandfather to Adonis Elkins.

He is also survived by his brother, Jeffry (Donna) Woolston; his sisters, Debi (Joe) Lewis, Donna (Dwight) Peterson, and Karen Woolston; along with many deeply loved nieces and nephews. Jim shared special friendships with Ibo, Zander, George, Shawn, and Cole, who meant a great deal to him.

After his military service, Jim built a successful career in restaurant management, where he was well-liked and respected for his management style and genuine care for people.

Jim was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and valued the fellowship it provided. He was also an excellent, highly skilled pool player and well known in the local pool community. A competitive member of the APA and TAP leagues, he played on teams known as Jokers and Pool Force One.

Jim was a man of quiet faith, steady conviction, and generous spirit. He was sacrificial and deeply devoted to his children, holding close and meaningful relationships with each of them. He was known for his humor, his larger-than-life presence, and his sharp mind - he loved to say, “I’m a freaking genius”. He loved travel, felt most at peace near the ocean, and took great pride in his family. Though humble by nature, his love for them was anything but small.

Jim’s presence is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through the family he loved, the friendships he valued, and the life he lived with integrity and heart.

The family will receive friends on February 23, 2026 from 4-6 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of the Eagle.  Food will be provided, pool tables will be open, and a cash bar will be available.  Funeral services with burial immediately following  will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests assistance with final expenses.  You may visit https://gofund.me/60f1b40b6 for more information. If you so desire, memorial gifts may also be made to the Fraternal Order of the Eagle, Knoxville. 

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