JAMES HOWARD MCNATT, JR., 70, had his appointment to be with Jesus on August 12, 2013 after battling lung cancer at Baptist Hospice House in Collierville, TN. Jim attained many accomplishments in his life. He was a community leader in several civic and philanthropic organizations over his lifetime, including the Memphis Jaycees. He was well known in the real estate community having worked in real estate since 1977, serving on boards and as an instructor. For the past 22 years, Jim was the co-owner of Diamond Realty Properties and for 15 years, a Real Estate Instructor at West Tennessee Professional School of Real Estate. During his career in real estate, he worked with Century 21; Jim Greer & Associates; Poplar Pike Realtors; was sales manager for Dan Stewart and Pyramid Realty and John Green Company. Early in his career, Jim also was in the bond business. Jim''s greatest accomplishment was that of his family, whom he greatly loved. He was the son of the late musician, James Howard "Speedy" McNatt and Margaret Gibbs McNatt and leaves a younger brother, songwriter/musician, Don McNatt (Karen) of Nashville, TN. Jim was married to the late Kay Baxter with whom he had two children who survive him, Detective Sergeant James Howard "Trae" McNatt, III (Jan) of Jefferson, GA and his devoted daughter, who was at his beside throughout his illness, Lezlee McNatt Leake (Jack) of St. Augustine, FL. Jim was later married to the late Edwina Grush McNatt with whom he had two sons, James Matthew "Matt" McNatt and Kristopher "Kris" Edward McNatt, both of Memphis. Jim also leaves three grandsons, Brett Thomas of St. Augustine, FL, and Jayme and Hunter McNatt of Jefferson, GA. Jim also leaves many beloved nieces, first cousins and other loved ones and friends. The celebration of Jim''s life will be held at Forest Hill East on Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. The family requests memorials be made in honor of Jim to the Baptist Trinity Hospice House in Collierville.

Forest Hill East Funeral Home (901)382-1000