James Irvin Tyson

James Irvin Tyson, 66, of Smyrna, TN, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Ford officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 243 Mt. Zion Church Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817 or Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 160485, Nashville, TN  37216. www.bigfluffydogs.com

James Irvin Tyson was born January 4, 1959, in Athens, GA, the son of Ronald & Laverne Lynn Tyson. He was a graduate of Balboa High School, Panamá, Class of 1977, and went on to play soccer with a scholarship at Brevard College, NC. He was a Christian by faith.

Though he spent many years in Central America, the mountains of Tennessee were home to Jim for the last twenty or so years. He loved dogs and almost always had at least one rescue with him. Jim was gifted in wood working, a talented musician, and simply a jack-of-all-trades. His humble heart and sense of humor were like a magnet for people.

Survivors include his mother, Laverne Lynn Sexton; his siblings, Carol Call, Amy Surber (Chris), Terri Sexton, and Jeanette Drose; his niece & nephew, Katie and Rob (Sarah); his aunt & uncle, Kay & Carl Lynn; and a host of extended family. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Tyson.