James 'Jimmy' Laymon Cress

James Laymon Jimmy' Cress, age 70, of Mountain City, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. He was born on November 29, 1944 to the late Laymon and Ruth Parsons Cress. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by a son, Thomas James Cress and a sister, Jill Cress Lowe. Jimmy is survived by sisters: Joan Stout, Janet Payne and Martha Elvidge; brothers: Robert Cress and wife Joyce and Jack Cress and wife Diane; special friend, Annis Jessee; several nieces and nephews; his Sheltie Dog and pal, Brownie. After graduating from Johnson County High School in 1962, Jim joined the United States Air Force, where he served for 4 years, during which time he was stationed at Loring AFB in Maine. Following his military career, Jimmy moved back to Mountain City and attended ETSU, receiving a degree in Accounting. He was the Town of Mountain City Recorder from 1974 - 1977. He then went to work for D.K. Burke and Associates Accounting Firm of Johnson City, where he remained until his retirement in 2014. Jimmy had a love and passion for his country and his fallen brothers and sisters. He located and published a directory of military veterans buried in Johnson County from WWI to present day. Jimmy was instrumental in placing US. Flags on their graves during Flag Day celebrations. It was Jimmy's wishes to be cremated and that no formal services are held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Flags for Heroes, c/o Iron Mountain Riders, 1485 Pleasant Valley Road, Mountain City, TN 37683. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com. The family of James Laymon Jimmy' Cress has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.