Residents gather to remember West Tennessee leader James ‘JR’ Ross

JACKSON, Tenn. — Friday, residents of West Tennessee gathered together to say their final goodbye to an influential man leaving behind a major impact.

Englewood Baptist Church was filled with law enforcement, healthcare professionals and many residents of the community to pay tribute to West Tennessee Healthcare’s president and CEO James “JR” Ross.

His cousin, Cathy Ross, took the podium to tell the community some things they may not have known about him.

“Family and community gave him his sense of humor, his love of people and family, his sense of right and wrong and always striving to do just the right thing. His selflessness and always putting others before himself. His work ethic, his smarts and his humility,” said Cathy.

City Mayor Scott Conger, former county mayor Jimmy Harris and members of the Greater Jackson Chamber were just a few people that were spotted in the service.

After the remarks and songs, it was time to hear from Dr. Ben Mandrell, the officiator of the service.

“JR had a keen mind and an uncanny ability to bind with all types of people, but the thing he wanted you to know the most about him today, the thing he wanted you to walk out these doors and know the most about him is that he felt he had a rock solid relationship with Christ that fueled his ministry, fueled his life and gave him purpose,” said Dr. Mandrell.

Ross’s burial was private, for family only.

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