**DATE OF SERVICE CHANGED TO 2:00-4:00 PM FEBRUARY 7, 2026**

James M. Nauert, age 87, of Jackson, TN, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. He passed in his home, with his partner, Mary, and German Shepherd, Rgee, both by his side. Both of whom love him very much and miss him very dearly.

James, or Jim to his friends and family, was born on March 20, 1938, in Waukesha, WI, and grew up north of Milwaukee in Whitefish Bay. He briefly attended Arizona State University before returning to the Milwaukee area to work as a salesman where he had two children with Judith Nauert, his first wife.

In the 1990s, Jim moved to Jackson, TN, where he bought a small farm on New Deal Road and opened his own business, EMA Co, in the old Montgomery Building on Lafayette Street. He and his then-wife Suzie also raised emus and exotic animals. Jim was a dog lover and avid snow skier who took his children on annual ski trips. He also served in the National Guard.

After the passing of his wife, Suzie, in 2001, he met Mary Gordon, who remained his life partner for over 21 years. Mary and Jim were fond of travel and farm life and took an active role in civic events in downtown Jackson for many years in the early 2000s.

He is survived by his son, James Brian Nauert (Lori Farrell) of Portland, OR; daughter, Jill Smith (Dan) of Harland, WI; significant other, Mary Gordon; grandchildren, Melissa Lomastro (Michael), Ronan Nauert, and Ella Nauert. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Merly Nauert; wife, Suzie Nauert; and beloved dogs, Monshe and Gigi.

A memorial visitation will be held 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. A private ceremony and interment for his family will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jackson Humane Society at jacksonanimalcare.com or donate to your local dog rescue.

Jim was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed by all. As we bid him farewell, we take solace in knowing that Jim's journey was one well-traveled, and his life, one well-lived.