Jimmy Rivera

Jim Rivera, (64 yrs) of Seymour, TN., passed into glory on the evening of Sunday, July 14, 2024. He was surrounded by family he cherished so dearly. 

 Jim was born on July 26,1959 in Chicago, IL., to Amelia Rivera. The eldest of four boys, Jim took on the responsibilities of caring for his mother and younger siblings in the absence of his father. Growing up in inner city Chicago, Jim fostered a deep love for the city. He enjoyed all things Cubs and Bears and spent many childhood days playing baseball. After taking a job at Bemos hot dog stand, he met his future wife, Joan Copeland, in 1977. They were married in 1983. Jim and Joan began attending Hoyne Avenue Weslelyn Church in 1985 which became like a second home until 1999, when they moved the family to the foothills of Seymour,TN.

 Jim took a new job with Hobart Food Equipment where he worked until his diagnosis. Jim loved his Hobart family. His loving and joyful demeanor acquired him the nickname, “Sweet Daddy” by those he worked with. He enjoyed working with his hands and the long drives in his number 95 Hobart truck. Life in Tennessee became filled with bustling family life. The birth of many grandchildren, a great grandchind, and countless trips, celebrations, and gatherings with his beloved family. The last two years of his life brought immense joy as he witnessed the weddings of both of his sons, the arrival of a new grandson, and news of a coming grandbaby. Nothing was more important to Jim than God and his family.

He loved the Lord Jesus. His life was lived in obedience to his Savior. He loved his family deeply and fully. Jim’s life was truly poured out in service to others. He will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Amelia Rivera, and his brother in law, Michael Copeland.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Joan Rivera (Copeland), as well as their five adult children, Jaime Milton (Frank), Brandy Giotis (Spiro), Crystal McNulty (Ryan), Joshua Rivera (Kendra), and Jacob Rivera (Megan). His grandchildren, Briana Zodda, Thomas and Sophia Giotis, Audrey, Owen, Ella, Amara, Simon, Benjamin, and Moriah McNuty, and Noah Rivera. As well as great grandbaby, Isabella.

His beloved brothers, John Sepulveda (Karen), Robert Sepulveda (Melina), and Julio Concepcion (Kelly).

He was deeply loved by Joan’s family as one of their own. He leaves behind numerous brother and sister in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and his much adored mother in law, Beulah Copeland.

 The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 4pm - 6pm at Smith Funeral and Cremation Services in Maryville, TN. with a memorial service beginning at 6pm.

The burial will be the following day, Thursday July 25, 2024 at 12pm at Eusebia Presbyterian Church in Seymour, TN.

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” ~ It’s a Wonderful Life 

Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.