James Patrick Rockafellow 12/08/1946 - 03/17/2026
James Patrick Rockafellow, age 79, of Madisonville, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at UT Medical Center.
He was born on December 8, 1946, in Ohio, his dad was A. J. Rockafellow and mom, Eileen Creighton and stepdad, Leonard Creighton. Jim’s mom was the court reporter for the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, and his stepfather served 20 years in the Navy.
Jim spent 22 years in the Air Force; he was a Vietnam Vet and lived/served all around the world. His friends in the military called him Rocky. He was an aircraft mechanic with a passion for electronics.
Jim was known for his kindness, dry sense of humor and generosity. Jim would take elderly neighbors to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store and run errands for them. He had the best kind of dry sense of humor; he could keep you laughing without even trying. Jim had a very generous nature. Jim enjoyed listening to music, watching TV, camping, casinos, and riding his motorcycle. He was a true history buff; he loved going to far out places and museums.
Jim is preceded in death by A. J. Rockafellow, dad; Eileen Creighton, mom; Leonard Creighton, stepdad; Eleanor McBride, aunt; Verna McBride, cousin; Rose Allen, grandmother; and Elizabeth Creighton, grandmother.
Jim is survived by David Rockafellow, son; Jason D. Rockafellow, Dora J. Rockafellow, grandchildren; Leneen Creighton Evans, sister (Steve); Mike Creighton, nephew (Katelyn); Mikeala Lambertucci, niece (Thomas); Ava Lambertucci, niece.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Blount Funeral and Cremation, 2730 411 S, Maryville, TN 37801. Receiving of friends will be from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, funeral following. Burial will immediately follow the funeral. Jim will be buried at Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens on Alcoa Hwy.
