James Otis Hagy

James "Jim" Otis Hagy, 71, family man, pastor, & constable, escaped this life to step on the clouds of glory on Monday, May 22nd, 2023. Born in Sullivan County, TN, in the town of Kingsport, he lived here most of his life. Jim is survived by his faithful wife of 48 Valentine Anniversaries, Penny Gilliam Hagy; three sons and daughters-in-law, James Aaron Hagy,( Brittany), Joshua Adam Hagy,( Nikelle) Jacob Andrew Hagy, (Lindsey); 5 grandsons, Aiden Rhoton, Skyler Hagy, Levi Hagy, Oliver Hagy, and Judah Hagy; sister, Gail Newland (Mike); several nieces and nephews; Dottie Dachshund, and his fellow congregants at Evangel Family Worship Center. He is preceded in death by his parents, James C. Hagy & Nealy B. Roberts Hagy; siblings, J.D. Hagy, Patricia Hagy Sells, Rebecca Hagy House, and Jeffrey Lynn Hagy.
Jim attended Lynn View High School. He chose work over high school graduation but obtained his GED from Lincoln Memorial University. After various jobs, including evangelizing and pastoring a church, he went on to work for the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. One of the highlights of his career was being assigned to Public Relations, where he partnered with Bud Hulsey. Together they educated young students on safety topics with their Talking Police Cars, Pete and Mikey. Jim was a D.A.R.E. officer, teaching 5th graders in the Sullivan County Schools. At the Hawkins County Sheriff's Dept., Jim was selected to be the first School Resource Officer at Volunteer High School. After 10 years, he came back to Sullivan County and worked as SRO at North High School. Next, he served as a process officer for the courts. Finally, in his last law enforcement position, he served as a proud, elected Tennessee State Constable. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Jim was saved at the age of 19 and was called to the ministry at the age of 20. He was a Holy Ghost-filled, anointed vessel of honor for God. He evangelized for several years before accepting a pastorate in Middlesboro, KY. In 1982, he and his family moved back to Kingsport and shortly thereafter pioneered a new Independent Pentecostal Church, where he pastored for more than 40 years. Jim had a servant's heart for the Lord. He was nicknamed "Jumping Jim" due to his joyful jumping when telling others how God had delivered him from the wrong path of sin to a righteous path with his Savior. He was famous for saying, "Boo Devil!" Pastor Hagy was the master of the illustrated sermon. He always encouraged others with his motivational style of speaking. Few people have had a greater passion for Christian service than Pastor Jim. He was the embodiment of a Christian Husband, Father, and Poppy. He loved his grandsons, as the saying goes, "to the moon and back." He was always looking to find an opportunity to be with them.
Jim also enjoyed playing his guitar with the Praise & Worship Team or with his wife, Penny, as she sang songs they both loved. Sometimes they would entertain with their personas "Otis and Pearl." Jim owned a Mayberry Cruiser, which he enjoyed riding in the local parades or displaying at car shows while wearing his Barney Fife uniform. Don Knotts actually rode in Jim's cruiser at the Meadowview Convention Center during Mayberry Days.
Jim was a community hero. He touched many, many lives throughout his years of ministry and community service. His friends would describe him as kind, caring, fun-loving, generous, happy, and helpful. He never met a stranger. Those left behind will cherish the memories they made together: church services, holidays, birthdays, beach vacations, family game nights, auctions, day trips, and shopping. Jim Hagy was known for his bargain-hunting shopping. The man could outshop most women, especially Penny. He enjoyed buying gifts for others and keeping toys in the back of his cruiser to give to children he might encounter when on duty. He made it his mission to represent the "Friendly Policeman." Jim commented that he had arrested a citizen, prayed with them in the cruiser on the way to jail, and then preached to them at church when they were released. He officiated at the weddings of numerous couples and conducted many funerals. People often asked him to "preach" their funerals. He would jokingly reply, "I will if you leave me some good material with which to work." He made the eulogies personal.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, May 28th, 2023, at Evangel Family Worship Center (1928 Bloomingdale Rd, Kingsport, TN ) from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. The funeral will follow at 6:00 pm with Pastor David Townsend and the Hagy sons officiating. Special honors from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard will be given.
Graveside service will be held at Washington County Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Sullivan County Officers. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Special thanks to Sullivan County Constables, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Hawkin's County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Kingsport Police Department, and Kingsport Fire Department for their assistance with the funeral services and procession.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Evangel Family Worship Center, 1928 Bloomingdale Road, Kingsport, Tn 37660.
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.