It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the passing of beloved husband, father, granddad and faithful servant of Jesus, James Floyd Peels, 68, of East Ridge, Tennessee. James went home to see his Savior Wednesday, March 26, 2025, with his family by his side.

He was born in Sweetwater, Tn., on Aug. 27, 1956, to the late Floyd and Bernice Peels.

James was co-owner of White and Peels Automotive for many years and most recently worked with Jerald at Pro Marine. He was a true “hands-on” kind a of guy; he loved getting his hands dirty and “fixing things”. James was an avid University of Tennessee fan, especially football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Kim Peels, brothers, Billy and Roger Peels, nephew, Joshua Chrisman, and a brother-in-law, Donald Rice.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dee Peels, his children; Jason Peels, Jerald White II (Jenna), Raymond Torres, and Frank Miller (Summer), grandchildren; Tanner Peels (Caitlin), Hayden and Jensen White, Colten Miller (Kasey), Caitlin Trammell (JT), Cruz Miller and Caroline Miller, great-grandchildren; Adalyn LeCroy, Carter Miller, and Junior Hodge, sisters; Elaine Rice and Linda Chrisman (Wes), brother, Donald Peels (Becky), sister-in-law, Teresa Peels, nieces and nephews; Holly Franklin (Andy), Kristen Graham (Josh), Codie Taylor (Jeff), Christopher Peels (Nicole), Michael Peels, Brian Chrisman, Morgan Peels (Karley), and Jacob Peels, great-nieces and nephews; Elizabeth Calhoun, Charleigh Graham, Taylie Peels, Oakleigh Peels, Belle Peels, Noah Peels, and Pace Taylor, special friends; Jerald White (Diane), Buddy Broome (Rhonda), Henry Johnson, Benny Mills (Joyce) and Jackie Swanson.

A Celebration of James’ life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Andy Franklin and Morgan Peels officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, March 30, from 3-7 p.m. He will be laid to rest following the service at the Chattanooga Memorial Park where Rev. Benny Mills will officiate the graveside committal. Pallbearers for the service will be Colton Miller, Cruz Miller, Raymond Torres, Hayden and Jensen White, and Tanner Peels.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn., has been entrusted with his arrangements.