February 20, 1969 ~ November 9, 2024

James Lee Pearce, also known as “Big City,” 55 of Spring City, TN passed away November 9, 2024, at the Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. Born February 20, 1969 in Pheonix, AZ, his family moved to Dayton, TN where he has lived for fifty years. James loved God, family, and his country. He loved making people laugh and had a great sense of humor. After retiring from the military, he worked until his retirement with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department.

James is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Delores Harwood Vanwinkle; two uncles, James W. and Virgil R. Harwood; and Aunt Mary J. Pugh.

Mr. Pearce is survived by his children, Brett Pearce, Brittany (Derek) Heath, Bethany Pearce, and Olivia Pearce; fiancé, Tammy Pearce; brother, Norman (Heather) Pearce; three grandchildren, Adrian, Kiptyn, and Owen Heath; uncles, John Allen Harwood and Edward Harwood; two nieces, Kirsten (Claude) Barley and Reily (Ramsey) Tyson; and one nephew, Brayden (Katie) Pearce.

Funeral service will be held at the chapel of Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 4PM with Pastor Audie May and Rev. John Allen Harwood officiating. The family will receive friends from 2PM until service time. Interment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery Friday, November 15 at 10:30AM.