James Burger Cornett

James (Jim) Cornett, age 95, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2021. Jim was born on March 14, 1926. Following graduation from Alcoa High School, he attended the naval officers training program at Carson Newman College and the University of Illinois. After his discharge in 1946, he entered the University of Tennessee where he earned a degree in engineering. Following graduation, he began work at ALCOA and was employed in the mechanical engineering division. During his forty-four years of service, he provided engineering support in the production of aluminum products for the auto and computer industries. In 1989 he retired, and for the next 16 years, he worked with his son, Steve, in the dairy business. Jim enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and traveling. He and his wife, the late Betty Crawford Cornett, were married for over 69 years. During the last years of their lives, they spent four years at Asbury Place. In November 2020, they moved to their son Steve’s home in Vonore. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, George and Ada Burger Cornett; his sister, Martha Sue Bean; and his brother, Wallace Cornett. Surviving are his daughters, Sarah (Randall) Wetherington, and Susan (Dean) Ownby; sons, Stephen (Kathleen) Cornett and Sam (Akiko) Cornett. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Matthew (Junko) Ownby, Lauren (Erik) Ownby Ketner, Eric (Amber) Wetherington, Dr. Brian (Stephanie) Wetherington, Thomas Wetherington, Rachel (Cody) Cornett Fields, Kevin (Courtney) Cornett, Erica Cornett and great grandchildren, Alexandra and Bennett Wetherington; Millie, Oliver, and Libby Fields; Reed, Austin, and Davis Cornett; Jackson and Adeline Wetherington. Reverend Matthew Benz-Whittington will officiate at a private graveside service for immediate family. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of Jim’s caregivers for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider memorial gifts to Highland Presbyterian accessibility fund or Alzheimer’s Tennessee – 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Friends and family may leave their thoughts and memories online at the funeral home website.