James Ralph Cash
- James Ralph Cash, father, grandfather, and friend entered God’s kingdom March 26th surrounded by his family. He was born, raised, and proud to say he was from South Knoxville. He was a 1976 graduate of Young High School, worked in executive management in the copier industry, built boats for Sea Ray, and was called to nursing at the age of 50 obtaining his RN degree from Roane State Community College. He was of the Southern Baptist faith. He had a passion for his family, travel, collecting things (he could never just have one of anything), Jimmy Buffet, and most importantly he loved to fish. He was fortunate to have traveled extensively chasing bonefish, trout, crappie, or anything that would take his bait or the thousands of flies he tied.
He was especially proud of his son Billy, his wife Molly, and his four grandsons and the time spent with them at the beach, fishing, going to the shooting range, playing cards, and just hanging out. When asked what his Papaw loved, his youngest grandson John said, “Us.” He also had a very sharp mind and subtle wit. Even after a stroke he lovingly embraced grandson Josh’s proclamation of “Papaw, you’re just not as fast as you used to be.” He loved to joke around even if he was the butt of the joke. He was kind and gracious to most. He was a loving partner to Cathy for 27 years. James is predeceased by his mother, Freida Lois Cash; father, Ralph D. Cash; and sister, Lois Dickey. Survived by his son, William T. Cash and wife, Molly; life partner and best friend, Cathy Mathes; brother, JT Cash (Sabrina); sister, Olivia Brand (Rick); grandsons, Colton Travis, Michael Hirsch, Joshua Cash, and John Cash. He was “Uncle Doodle” to Blake, Chaise, Mitzi, Tiffany, Rhonda, Rachel, and Jody. His special friends were Mark Alston and Tony Watson.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 30th at Click Funeral Home Farragut. The family will receive friends at 1 PM with memorial service at 2 PM. Per James’ wishes, he wanted no sad faces. Feel comfortable to wear Jimmy Buffet appropriate attire and help us send our beloved pirate off in style. He had a special place in his heart for those struggling, so in lieu of flowers donations to Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, Catholic Charities, or the charity of your choice is appreciated.