James T. “Jim” Ware, 86, of Chattanooga, went home to be with his Lord Jesus on Monday, Nov. 7, 2011.

He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Navy aboard the USS Waterman in the Pacific and was in the automobile business in Atlanta and Chattanooga for 41 years.

Jim was an active and dedicated member of Tyner United Methodist Church where he attended the Frank Pierce Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margret Ware; first wife, Aileen Ware; brothers, Stewart Ware, William Ware; and granddaughter, Lisa Green.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy Ware; three children, Stephen (Janice) Ware, Jerry (Joy) Ware and Darlene (Garland) Phelps; brother, Bobby Ware; and sister, Mary Sanders; grandchildren, Mike Phelps, Jimmy Phelps, Jaimy Ware, Kristy Kolhlmann, Kim Garrison, Allen Ware; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Tyner United Methodist Church with pastors Reece Fauscett, Glen Mosley, Charles Harrison and Natalie Smart officiating.

Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

The body will lie in state one hour at the church before the service on Thursday.

Please share your thoughts and memories at chattanooga-valleyview.com

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. today at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.