James Conway

James D. Conway passed away peacefully at home with his wife at his side in Cleveland Tennessee on August 18, 2023. He was a resident of Cleveland for the last nine years. James was born on March 31, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, the eldest of three children. To all who knew and loved him, he was Jim.

Jim grew up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and WWII. He was a 33+ year career US Naval Officer enlisting in the navy as a Seaman Recruit, rising through the ranks, and retiring with the rank of Captain. He traveled throughout the United States and many foreign countries during his service. As part of his service, he attended the US Naval War College, earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, and was recognized for his contributions, most notably with the Meritorious Service Medal. He characterized his service philosophy with the phrase "Quod Necessum Est" - "Whatever is Necessary". After retirement, Jim worked at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing as part of the team producing the US Air Force C-17 strategic transport aircraft.

Jim was devoted to his family, working tirelessly to ensure they were provided for. Wherever he lived, he created greenery and planted flowers to make pleasant surroundings. He was a joy to be around during holidays. At Christmas he would sing along with the yuletide carols while hanging lights, decorating and making sure everyone felt special. He orchestrated "legendary" easter egg hunts, where parents were enlisted to make sure the kids did not find more eggs than were hidden. Family pets including Jewel, Murphy, and Buddy, were included in all activities and were just as excited to be at events such as birthday parties as the rest of the friends and family. Family pets received birthday cupcakes too! Whatever Jim was doing, he loved music and enjoyed having Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, or Hawaiian music playing in the background. Whenever Jim was gardening or in the garage, his gear inevitably included a "boom box" so he could listen to a football game or the local news radio station. When he moved to Cleveland, he attended the First Baptist Church of Cleveland and was a member of the TRoy Jones Sunday School class.

By his acts and deeds, Jim epitomized what many consider the three pillars of society; God, Family, and Country.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Josephine Cimbora Conway; brother Martin Conway, and wife of 57 years Kathy Conway.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 9 years, Juanita, her son Doug Lyle (Angela) and brother-in-law Larry Withrow (Carolyn); sister, Jeanne Campana (Ronald); daughter, Emily Harrison (David); son, James (Joyce); 3 grandchildren, David Harrison Jr., Drew Harrison and Sarah Naper (Brian); great-grandchildren David Harrison III and Dakota Harrison; and nieces, and nephews.

Visitation and services will be at the Companion Funeral and Cremation Services 2415 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland TN, 37311 on Saturday, September 9, 2032. The visitation will be from 11AM to 1PM with services starting at 1PM. His final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any remembrances be donated to SPCA of Bradley County (PO Box 703 Cleveland TN, 37364), Generations Building Fund of the First Baptist Church (PO Box 2368 Cleveland TN, 37320) or the Wounded Warrior Project.