James “Bert” Brinkley, 77, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. James was born in Kingsport, Tenn., to the late Odell and Artie Lewis Brinkley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Wayne Brinkley.
James retired as a machine operator for the Raytheon Corporation and also retired from Line and Power in Bristol, Va. He was of the Baptist faith.
Those left to cherish his memory include his life partner, Diane Taylor, of the home; his son, David Brinkley of Orlando, Fla.; two brothers, Bob Brinkley of Oxford, N.C., and Donald Brinkley of Saucier, Miss.; and a sister, June Jenkins of Bristol, Tenn. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of James “Bert” Brinkley will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, March 23, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Tony Birchfield officiating. Music will be provided by Lynn Bowers, soloist. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service, or at the residence at other times. An inurnment will follow at a later date. The family would like to especially thank Tammy, David and Dwight Birchfield, Sheila and Dustin Thompson, Liz Guy, Lynn Bowers, Thelma Pierce, Maurice Grave, and Roger Ledford and the Carter County Rescue Squad. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 2335 Knob Creek Road, #101, Johnson City, TN 37604. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Brinkley and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.