James "Jack/Papa" Allen Puckett

James “Jack/Papa” Allen Puckett died peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by family at the age of 98 years. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Albert and Jim White Puckett, his wife, Betty High Puckett, and his beloved son-in-law, Lynne Hamrick. 

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Hamrick of McMinnville and Patricia "Trish" Callison (John) of Nashville, TN; his four grandchildren, Amy Brandon (Nathan) of Brentwood, TN, Rob Hamrick (Alexa Todd) of Happy Valley, OR, Clay Callison (Ashlei) of Knoxville, TN and Allen Callison (Lindsay) of Nashville, TN; eight great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored; and Kathy Adamson, his loving, attentive friend and caregiver during the last years of his life 

Jack was born in Alexandria, TN on April 17, 1926. His family moved to McMinnville in 1938, where his father started Puckett Motors, the local Ford dealership. A 1944 graduate of McMinnville Central High School, Jack was a proud World War II veteran, having served in the Army. Following the end of the war, Jack attended the University of Tennessee where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After college, he returned to McMinnville joining his father at Puckett Motors where he ran the dealership until he sold it in 1983. Jack was an active member of the McMinnville community. He was a director of City Bank & Trust Co. from 1962 until it was acquired by Regions Bank in 1998; a member of the Exchange Club since 1950; a Mason; and a member of the American Legion since 1946. He was a member of McMinnville’s First United Methodist Church.

Jack had two passions: flying and playing golf. He owned several planes over the years and always enjoyed telling stories of his unforgettable flying adventures. Jack was recently honored at a ceremony at the McMinnville Airport for his contributions to the growth of the airport over the years. He played golf every winter in Marco Island, Florida where he resided, beginning in 1990, during the winter months. He was a member of the McMinnville Country Club and continued to play seniors golf on Thursday mornings even after he turned 98.

Funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in High's Chapel with Ryan Heatherly officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until time of service Tuesday at High's.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a Warren County charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.