Mr. James Anthony Begalla

Begalla, James A., died peacefully at his home Thursday, September 15, 2016. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on May 8, 1942. The family moved to Nashville, Tennessee where Jim graduated from Father Ryan School in 1960, after which he graduated from The University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Sociology in 1964. Jim retired from a career in public administration with the City of Knoxville where he managed the transition of the World’s Fair property into a 52 acre City Park and Festival lawns, concert venues, public meeting spaces and gallery spaces. Through his career he fostered the development of the visual and performing arts, services for the homeless, and creative programs for children. In both 1989 and again in 1995 the Arts Council recognized his individual contribution to the arts. Early in his career, he was on the administrative staff at the University Center at UTK. Many community organizations have benefited from his board leadership including Lakeshore Hospital, East Tennessee Foundation, East Tennessee Discovery Center, James White’s Fort, Volunteer Ministries Center, Knoxville Mental Health Association, Downtown Organization, Knoxville World Festival, and Knoxville Children’s Showchoir. Following retirement, Jim and his wife of forty-six years, Martha Eagleton Begalla, have continued their interest in fostering development of community projects. The couple served as facilitators for Leadership Knoxville and Jim was recognized by the national community Leadership Association for outstanding community service. He was an active member of Saint James Episcopal Church. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Ted Begalla. He is survived by his loving wife, Marty; his mother, Charlotte Begalla both of Knoxville; sister, Patricia Bailey of Nashville, TN; nephews, Joe L. Cooper of Top Sail, NC and Tim Cooper of Nashville, TN; godson, Luke McCormack of Minneapolis, MN and a host of friends. Jim’s faithful black Labrador “Mo” will miss him, as will those many friends, colleges, and individuals for whom, at some point in their lives, Jim generously stopped so that he could help them in some patient and supportive way. When Jim spoke, people listened, and his leadership as well as his personal characteristics will be missed, particularly when a new project moves from vision to reality. Jim was always happiest when quietly, without fanfair or attention to himself, making significant improvements in an individual’s or organization’s life. He enjoyed travelling and young people, including the trips with each of his grandnieces and grandnephews to a destination of their choice. Generous and welcoming, he was also honest, thoughtful, and impactful. And, secretly, he could be delightfully funny. A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Saint James Episcopal Church with The Reverend John Mark Wiggers and The Reverend Canon Patricia M. Grace officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Jim asks that you dress festively and stay for supper in the Parish Hall. The family request that donations be med in Jim’s memory to St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 North Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

Tributes

Mr. James Anthony Begalla

May 8, 1942 - September 15, 2016