James "Jim" Kelley Tribble, Sr.

James Jim Kelley Tribble, Sr., age 87, died on January 10, 2018 following an extended illness. He was born in Cumming, GA on August 17, 1930, to the late Henry Felton Tribble and Era Estelle (Fletcher) Tribble. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Tribble.

Mr. Tribble is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Mary Sue (McDaniel) Tribble; son, James Kelley Tribble, Jr. (Dianna); daughter, Dawn Grella (Giuseppe Joe); and his beloved grandchildren, Benjamin Tribble, Margaret Tribble, Katlyn Grella, and Mia Grella. He is also survived by sisters, Eula Jean Tribble, Gail Tribble Frederick; brother, Jack Tribble; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Tribble, Sara McDaniel, Myra McDaniel, Voncile McDaniel; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Tribble was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and served from October, 1950 to October 1954. As a flight line SSgt, he worked with pilots and mechanics while stationed at Sheppard AFB, TX, Chanute AFB, IL, Luke AFB, AZ, and Craig, AFB, AL. Following his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Air Force with a National Defense Service Medal, he joined Lockheed Corporation in Marietta, GA.

Mr. Tribble was employed with Lockheed Corporation for 37 years and retired in March, 1991. During his career he had many flight line tasks and supervisory roles, and had some role in every airplane that was produced in Marietta, GA until his retirement. He was known for his discipline, strong demeanor, fairness and always highly respected. Upon his retirement, he was the only flight line specialist certified to run and test engines on both the C-130 and C-141 aircraft.

After retirement, Mr. Tribble was an avid farmer and a man that enjoyed his time in the garden, taking care of the farm, time with his family, and especially the grandchildren.

His achievements were always balanced by his faith, his genuine humility and his intense love of family and community. He was a life member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he freely gave his time and service before his illness. His ancestors helped to build the church in 1840 and subsequent remodels. He helped his father saw logs and mill the timber for renovations in the 1940s and 1950s to made additions and add the first Sunday School rooms. In addition to Friendship Baptist Church, he was always supportive to the community and Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Byrd and Rev. Ted Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ingram Funeral Home Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.