James A. “Jim” Sydnes (pronounced Sydneys), age 77, of Fayetteville, TN passed away peacefully at his home on February 28, 2026. A man of deep faith and a warm, friendly personality, Jim was born on October 23, 1948, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late William F. and Ruby W. Sydnes.
Jim served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, seeing combat during his tour. Following his military service, he built a long career with the Dunlop Tire Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama, from which he eventually retired. He later continued his dedication to service by providing security at Redstone Arsenal. A familiar face in the Fayetteville community, Jim was the former owner of Jim’s Trophies. He was a man of the Baptist faith who dedicated many years of his life to serving others as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. In his leisure time, Jim was an avid golfer and a passionate collector of baseball memorabilia.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Deborah “Debbie” Honea Sydnes; his daughter, Amy Sydnes; and his sons, Chad Sydnes and Joey (Kristi) Sydnes, all of Fayetteville. He also leaves behind his cherished step-grandchildren, Tucker and Alexis; his brother, William L. (Janice) Sydnes of Bryn Mawr, PA; and a host of extended family members and friends who will dearly miss his warm and friendly personality.
Funeral service will be conducted at 3 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Ronnie Gay officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday from 1 PM until the time of service. A private interment will take place at Kirkland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105), or your local Marine Corps League.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of James A. “Jim” Sydnes.
Words can’t express how sorry I am for the loss of Mr. James. He and his family treated me as if I was a family member. Such a great man. He will be truly missed. Our earthly loss is Heavens gain. Go on and rest Mr. James all the suffering is over now.
Debbie, Joey, Chad, and Amy, So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Praying for the family.
Please submit his picture at the Warrior Exhibit. He deserves to be honored.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
Debbie and family. We are so sorry for your family’s loss. He was a very good man who made people smile. Know he’s at peace and looking down smiling at the wonderful legacy he leaves behind.
Rest in peace my brother in Christ, See you in the morning. Woo, woo woo get on the train 🚂🚂🚂🚂 Engineer on the gravy train Luke Carthen. lOVE you man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God wrap his arms of love around you all
So sorry to hear this news. Wish I could be there for the family but will be unable to. Sending prayers.
Debbie, Amy, boys
Praying for God’s comfort at this time
We are so sorry for Jim’s passing prayers for the family
Debbie you and family are in our prayers. May Our God comfort you as only He can. We shared many good times together serving God!!!
Very sad to hear about Syd! Although we had not seen one another in a very long time, I’ll never forget the fun and fellowship we had growing up in the Henderson addition. We looked and traded so many baseball cards and played baseball everyday possible. Everyone in the neighborhood was so jealous as to how far he could hit a baseball from either side of the plate and throw either left or right. Very talented and gifted man who will be missed by many and touched the lives of so many. May the Lord grant your family peace and comfort. I give thanks that Syd and I shared time together in this walk of life….
Jim was a great Christian friend. I looked forward to our conversations at Prospect Baptist Church during Sunday School or grabbing a cup of coffee ☕️ before class. He was also a great Marine confidant and I valued our time together. He had a great sense of humor and he loved his family and God.
Debbie, I am so very sorry to hear about your losing Jimmy. Prayers for you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Mr Jimmy passing. Sending love to the family!
So sorry for this families loss. I remember Jim from years ago when his mother and my aunt were good friends. I will be praying for you.