James “Jimmy” “Red” Tipton

James “Jimmy” “Red” Oliver Tipton
March 13, 1942 – April 9, 2026

James “Jimmy” Tipton, 84, of East Ridge, TN, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Elvene and Beulah Frances Tipton. After graduating from Kirkman High School in 1960, Jimmy joined the United States Navy, where he served his country with excellence and distinction. While in the Navy, he met his sweetheart, Dot Tipton. Jimmy and Dot were married on May 21, 1966, and remained married for almost sixty years. After his years in the United States Navy, he returned to the Chattanooga area and worked for Combustion Engineering, where he retired after 40 years. Jimmy also worked for the Walker County Correctional Facility in LaFayette, Georgia. Jimmy loved to play poker (and he was good at it) and was a big Tennessee Volunteers football fan. Go Vols! But above all, Jimmy dearly loved his wife and family, especially his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with them. Jimmy was dearly loved by his family and all who knew him, and he will be missed!

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Elvene and Beulah Frances Tipton; brothers, Cecil Tipton, Kenny Tipton, and Steve Tipton; and sisters, Peggy Morrow and Elaine Forgey.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of almost sixty years, Dorothy (Dot) Ann Tipton; daughter, Leah (Trip) Haddock of East Ridge, Tennessee; step-son, Bill (Flor) Ameral of Haven Hill, Florida; sisters, Marie McAllister of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Judy Rhudy of Ringgold, Georgia; grandchildren, Lola Haddock and Luke Haddock; bonus grandchildren, Olivia Brackett, Destiny Sutherland, and Brianna Frizzell and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family has arranged a time to remember and honor Jimmy. Friends and family are invited to join us on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to the time of the service. The funeral service, a time to celebrate Jimmy’s life, will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. After the funeral service, we will proceed to Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the burial scheduled at 1:30 p.m. The family appreciates your prayers and support during this difficult time.

An online guest book can be found at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, is handling the funeral arrangements.