James Martin Cigliano

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, James Martin Cigliano. ‘Cig’ passed away peacefully June 11, 2023, in Cleveland, Tennessee with his family by his side. He was a member of Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church and a member of Knights of Columbus Queen of Heaven Council 4572. Despite the sickness he endured the last few months, his great wit and larger than life personality was with us until his passing.

Cig was born November 4, 1939, in Lafollette, Tennessee to Renato and Ruth White Cigliano. He grew up in Dover, New Jersey where he excelled in athletics. He received a baseball/basketball scholarship to Lincoln Memorial University in 1957 and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and went on to obtain a Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He held various jobs in coaching and education, but the one he was most proud of was his service to Cleveland State Community College (CSCC).

Cig was the third employee hired at CSCC in 1967 and held several positions including Vice President of Student Services and Athletic director. He achieved Emeritus Status in 2007. His impact on Junior College Athletics was immense. His ability to motivate and hire great people was unmatched. He served as TJCCAA commissioner from 2008-2014. Cig was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame, Bradley County Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Old-Timers Hall of Fame, TJCCAA Hall of Fame, and the Lincoln Memorial University Professional Hall of Fame.

Cig had numerous accomplishments throughout his career. The accomplishment he was most proud of was helping students thrive and succeed in their lives and careers. We have been overwhelmed by the number of students, employees, and others that have relayed the impact he had on their lives. His legacy at CSCC will live on through The James Cigliano Cougar Room, The Jim Cigliano Outstanding Service to Students Award, and Jim Cigliano Drive on the CSCC campus.

In addition to his parents, Cig was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law John and Emma Nunn, sisters/brothers-in-law, Hazel (Billy) Powell, Betty (Willard) Smith, Judy Nunn, Sheridan Nunn, Benjamin Nunn, Eddie Nunn, Jack Lewis, Gary Schulz, and Richard Simoneau. Nephews, Scott Schulz, David Smith, and John David Lewis. Nieces, Leslie Lewis and Jill Nunn.

Cig is survived by his wife Georgia Nunn Cigliano of Cleveland, Tennessee. His children Teri (Wayne) Mock of Canton, Georgia. Tracie Cigliano of Knoxville Tennessee, Lee (Beth) Cigliano of Cleveland, Tennessee, and Amber (Jon) Johnson of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Grandchildren Sophia Mock, Nick, Brynna, and Caleb Cigliano, Matthew, Trevor, and Emma Johnson. Sisters JoAnn (Charles) Fields of Thomaston, Maine, Carmela (Ed) Pragler of LaFayette, New Jersey. Sisters-in-law, Shelby Jean Pratt of Speedwell, Tennessee, Helen Lewis of Middlesboro, Kentucky, Sue Nunn of Destin, Florida. Brother-in-law Ricky Nunn of Destin, Florida. And a host of nieces and nephews.

We have been so blessed with lifelong friends, your kindness and thoughtfulness have meant so much to us. Special thanks to our caregivers, Natasha Riser, Hattie Manning, Tiffiny Guardia, Faye Winthrow, and Dorothy Foster. We could not have asked for better care as we walked this difficult journey. Also, appreciation and thanks to the entire staffs at Avail Senior Living, Hearth Hospice, and CHI Memorial Hospital.

Memorial Information

Date: July 8, 2023

St Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Cleveland, TN

Visitation: 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Rosary: 11:30 am

Funeral Mass with inurnment to follow in St Therese Columnbarium: 12:00 pm

Luncheon to follow in Parish Life Center

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cleveland State Athletics: mycs.cc/csccfoundation or 423-614-8700