Jim Necessary

Jimmie Stuart Necessary, age 78, departed this life on July 23, 2013. He was surrounded by his loved ones, the watchful and tender care of the nurses and doctors of CCU Holston Valley Medical Center, and the prayers of many faithful friends and family members.

Jim was born in Bluefield, Virginia and was the son of Harry S. and Helen D. Necessary. He graduated from Graham High School in 1952, Bluefield College in 1959, and Virginia Tech in 1962 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He did extensive post-graduate work at the University of Tennessee. Jim served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957, and was stationed at Parris Island, S.C., Camp LeJeune, N.C., and Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. He retired in 1997 from Eastman Chemical Company. His service included 19 years with Eastman Chemical Company and 15 years with Holston Defense Corporation.

Mr. Necessary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 50 years where he served as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and Elder. His civic contributions include: past president of Boys and Girls Club, Advisory Board of the Drug and Alcohol Council, Junior Achievement advisor, board member for Kingsport and East Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, board member of Eastman Credit Union advisory committee, board member of the United Way, member of the Rotary Club/Downtown Kingsport, Paul Harris Rotary Fellow, board president and referee for the Kingsport Youth Soccer Association, and past president of the Dobyns-Bennett Quarterback Club.

He was an avid marksman and a member of the Cherokee Rod and Gun Club. Jim was also a loyal Dobyns-Bennett football and soccer fan. Among his passions were the life and history of local legend Kinnie Wagner and his research regarding the history of Holston Army Ammunition Plant.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Vest Necessary, children Debbie Necessary Gibson and husband Gary of Castlewood, VA, Cherie Bethany of Kingsport, TN, and William Scott Necessary of Cookeville TN. His legacy of love includes his grandchildren, Anderson Bowen and wife Amanda, Adam Bowen, Sarah Bowen Hayes and husband Ray Hayes, Ivy Gibson, Isaac Gibson, Taylor Myers, Carson Bethany, and great-grandson, Oliver Bowen. Jim also leaves behind his faithful, furry companion, Duke. Additional survivors include his brothers, Curtis Necessary and wife Carol, Harold Necessary and wife Pat, and sister, Ruby Yost; brother-in-law John Hamlin and wife, Ginny, sisters-in-law Terri Vest Painter, Kay Vest Lister, and Beverly Vest, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Louise Long Hall and father-in-law Byron W. Vest.

A special farewell goes to the Jan-Mar "Sons of Breakfast", and Pat. Dodge Charger for sale.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Dr. David A. Cagle officiating and eulogy by David Cole. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations go to Waverly Road Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 1415 Waverly Road, Kingsport, TN 37664.