James (Jim) Sales

James (Jim) Sales, 70, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., passed away Oct. 25, 2023. Jim was born in Hayti, Mo., to the late Bernell Sales and Mellie Sales (George) Watterson. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a radio announcer stationed in Alaska. His lifelong passion for music led him to Nashville, where he was offered a job as lead guitarist for country legend Vern Gosdin. He began writing songs which led to a publishing deal with the prestigious Welk Music Group on Music Row as a staff writer. A host of artists released Jim’s songs, including Vern Gosdin, Randy Travis, John Schneider, The Goldens, and Pinkard and Bowden. Jim worked closely with legendary producer Owen Bradley, creator of the Nashville Sound and founder of Music Row. He went on to establish his own production company, Jim Sales Productions and publishing company, Camp Jimbo Music. Jim graduated from MTSU with a Bachelor of University Studies in Recording Industry Management. A master guitarist and a soulful vocalist, he also played bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping and canoeing. Jim was also preceded in death by his beloved brother, Ron Sales, and best buddy, Chet, his black lab.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Raymer Sales; daughters, Jessica (Thomas) Locke and Veronica (Jeremy Kennedy) Sales; sister Linda Curtis; grandchildren, Evelyn Rose Locke and Arlin Locke; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and collaborators.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at Bond Memorial Chapel in Mt Juliet. Graveside services with Military Rites will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, Ill., with pastor Jackson Van Dyke officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Music for Seniors at 161 Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 or online at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/music-for-seniors/jim-sales-in-memoriam.

Arrangements are by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN, (615) 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com