James "Jim" Samuel DeVault Jr.

James "Jim" Samuel DeVault Jr., Kingsport, passed away on Thursday (Feb. 11, 2010).

Jim was born on Oct. 27, 1947 in Kingsport, to the late Sam and Lillian DeVault.

He attended Dobyns-Bennett High School, graduated from Washington College Academy in 1966, and attended Tusculum College.

A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially attending the grandsons' ball games. His legacy is love.

Jim was known affectionately as "Big Dawg" throughout the Network Marketing community. His love for people and his "bigger than life" personality made him an extremely successful inspirational and motivational speaker throughout the U.S. and Canada. As National Director for New Image International from 1994-2002, Jim was consistently ranked a top producer. His sales career also included Snap-on Tools, mobile homes and several area car dealerships. Jim's life accomplishments are too numerous to mention.

Jim served as president and coach for many years as part of the Jonesborough Little League. Jim served on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the Town of Jonesborough during the 1980s.

In 1973 Jim was Southeastern Midget Racing Association Rookie of the Year. Jim raced in the NASCAR Limited Sportsman's Series, car #72 in the 1970's at Lonesome Pine International Raceway, Coeburn, Va., Kingsport Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Hickory, N.C., Greenville, S.C., and other regional tracks. He loved racing!

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1968 including one tour in Vietnam.

He was a faithful member of Springdale Missionary Baptist Church, Kingsport, and a former member of Jonesborough Presbyterian Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Bob Tichenor; and special grandson, Gage King.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy Austin King DeVault of Kingsport; daughter, Kelli, husband, Lance, and grandson, Garrett Bray of Jonesborough; daughter, Kristina Banner; and grandsons, A.J. Boyd and Samuel Banner of Jonesborough; Cindy's children and grandchildren, Valerie King of Johnson City, James King, Whitney Stone, and children, Raegan and Gabriel of Kingsport. Jim is also survived by his sister Carolyn Tichenor of Bluff City; niece Kimberley Ward and husband, Travis of Kingsport; great-nephews, Taylor McGlothlin and Grant Ward of Kingsport; niece Shannon Wilson and husband, Michael of Johnson City; great-nephew, Joshua Wilson, great-niece Emily Wilson; the mother of Jim's children, Jennie DeVault of Jonesborough. Jim also leaves many other relatives and friends who loved and cherished him.

The family will be receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Springdale Missionary Baptist Church.

A "going home" celebration service to begin at 7 p.m. with Pastor Alan Buckles, officiating.

A military graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. conducted by the American Legion Post #3/265 and Tennessee National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Springdale Missionary Baptist Church, Jim DeVault Memorial Fund, 1616 Haga Rd., Kingsport, Tenn. 37660.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the DeVault family.