Obituary of James Bernard "Jimmy" Augustin, Jr.

James B “Jimmy” Augustin, Jr, 89, of Loretto, Tennessee, lost his battle with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer that he was recently diagnosed with. He passed away May 1, 2025, in his home surrounded by family. Jimmy, as he was fondly known, was born to James B (Jim) and Rosalia Augustin on September 25, 1935 in Loretto where he lived his entire life. He excelled at many things, but most notable, was his ability to portray a positive “can do” attitude and approach to overcoming whatever life’s challenges were thrown at him. He was a selfless giver of his time and would give you the shirt off his back without any thought of renumeration. This was most evident by his participation in organizations such as the Loretto Lions Club for over 50 years, a charter member of the Loretto Lift-Up Committee, a Boy Scout leader for a local Troop that produced several Eagle Scouts, his involvement with the Sacred Heart Catholic School, Loretto High School Athletic Booster and the Knights of Columbus, just to name a few. After completing his elementary school years at Sacred Heart Catholic School, he attended St. Bernard Preparatory School and College in Cullman, Alabama where he met his spouse of now over 68 years. At St. Bernard he studied business management and became an outstanding athlete in the sports of baseball, basketball and football. After attending college, he became the owner of several small businesses over years, all located within the community that he lived. Of note, he operated an independent agency for New York Life for 45+ years and earned many rewards for his success with this business, he rarely met a person that he didn’t try to sell a policy to! He was an avid outdoorsman, farmer and gardener, but his passion was fishing. Much of his extracurricular activity revolved around fishing and included regular visits to the ponds on his family farm, Happy Hollow on Shoal Creek, Pickwick Lake or below the TVA dams on the Tennessee River. Even though he only had one arm and had to set up his equipment to support a left-handed angler, he managed to be successful at catching fish, most often with his long-term fishing buddy, Fred Simbeck. Probably his most legendary catch was a 100+ pound tarpon that he landed in the Florida Keys with his left-handed spinning rig he brought with him that he used for catching catfish on the Tennessee River. The fight took over 2 hours!! Another aspect of Jimmy that a lot you may have encountered at social functions that he attended was his love for dancing. If there was music at the event, you can be sure he would be out on the dancefloor “cutting a rug”! Survivors include: Wife: Lena Rose Hasenbein Augustin Sons: Mark Augustin, David Augustin (Kay) Daughter: Bridgett Neel (Tony) Sister: Joan Augustin Grandchildren: Lana Orton, Leanne Conway, Dustin Augustin, Chelsie Augustin, Caleb Augustin, Russ Neel, Rosalia Neel Great grandchildren: Cameron, Ryder, Banks, Harper Preceded in death by: Parents: James Bernard Augustin, Sr. & Rosalia Langer Augustin Brother: Thomas G. Augustin Sister: Imelda Henkel Visitation will be Monday, May 5, 2025, from 10:00am – 1:00pm, at Loretto Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The funeral mass will follow at 1:00pm, at the church, with Rev. Delly Mutajuka officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Russ Neel, Dustin Augustin, Caleb Augustin, Wes Orton, Jeffrey Conway, and Greg Augustin. Honorary pallbearers will be: Fred Simbeck, Jim Bush, James Laminack, Josh Haney, and Jeff Zak.