James "Jim" Ronald Sexton

James Ronald “Jim” Sexton, age 81 of Louisville, TN passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Park West Medical Center.  Jim’s was predeceased by his mother and father, James S. and Vola Sexton, and his brother, Bob Sexton.  Jim was an entrepreneur at heart.  After taking a correspondence course on TV and radio repair at age 11, he started his own company, Sexton Electronics.  During his high school years, he represented Friendsville High when local radio station WGAP gave each high school a 15-minute program to announce school activities.  WGAP then hired him for part-time work.  While there, he obtained his Radio/Telephone Operators license and became their Chief Engineer.  When he later applied at Delta Airlines for a better paying job, the interviewer asked why he didn’t apply for an Avionics Technician job.  So, he did and was hired and stayed at Delta in Atlanta, GA for the next 6 years.  In the meantime, he married Johnnie and they remained married for 60 years.  He also learned to fly and started a business at McGhee Tydon Airport called Sexton Aviation Electronics.  He then purchased another airport business, Smoky Mountain Aero and combined it with the electronics business which became Knox Air.  He operated Knox Air for many years, eventually selling and retiring.  Retirement did not last long since he purchased two AM radio stations.  Later he added WGAP, the station where he worked during high school and college.  He then added FM translator stations to all three stations.  Those stations were sold in 2022. There were other adventures along the way.  A convenience store, satellite company, restaurant, and others.  Jim was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease in 2020.  Sincere thanks to his caregiver for 3 years Richard Roper and later to Ron Perkey.  Charitable donations may be made to Blount County Humane Society, P.O. Box 5446 Maryville, TN 37802. An Interment Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 4,^, 2023 at Middlesettlements Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Smith Trinity Chapel with a Funeral Service to follow at 4:00 PM officiated by Dr. Pat Corn.  Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000 www.smithlifeandlegacy.com