James Mintz Obituary

James William Mintz, Jr. was born May 18, 1938, in Cherokee County, NC. He attended Murphy High School in Murphy, NC.

James entered the U.S. Navy after graduation and served throughout the war in Vietnam. During his time in the Navy, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service medal and many other awards and ribbons. He graduated from Pensacola Junior College, Pensacola, FL while on active duty. James retired from the Navy in 1975 as a Master Chief Petty Officer.

He moved with his family to Kingsport upon leaving the Navy. James entered East Tennessee State University in 1976, going on to earn both a BS and MA degrees. He was employed as an English instructor by ETSU before gaining employment as a technical writer by Texas Instruments in Johnson City. James entered into the coin laundry business before retiring for good in 2001. He was a licensed private pilot and constructor of experimental aircraft. James owned two different Cessna airplanes. He wrote novels as a hobby and was published by Overmountain Press, Trafford and Createspace.

His parents were James and Mattie Mintz of Murphy, NC.

James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Clara Reece Mintz, daughter Susanne (Kevin), sons David (Tammy) and Doug (Inga); grandchildren, Jenna Wagner, Sasha Mintz, and Jackie Wagner as well as three sisters and one brother.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm Thursday, October 19, 2023, in the chapel of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.

A Prayer Service will follow at 2:00 pm led by Deacon Bob Lange from St. Dominic's Catholic Church.

An Entombment Committal Service will follow with Military Rites conducted the U. S. Navy Funeral Honor's Detail and the American Legion Post #3 and Post #265.

The care of Master Chief James William Mintz, Jr., and his family have been entrusted to the staff at Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.