James Franklin McCreary III

James Franklin McCreary III went to be with his Creator on October 11, 2025, at the age of 61.

James was a man of God. He is a faithful and devoted Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, and friend. He was an elder and active member of Providence Road Church of Christ, where he raised all four of his children in the faith, for 20+ years. He also served as the financial deacon and led various classes, groups, and mission teams over the years.

James was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 23, 1964, to James Franklin II and Jean Tucker McCreary. James received his BBA from Harding University, where he met his best friend and soon-to-be wife, Merrill Maxwell, on a plane to Italy as they were both headed for a semester abroad. James went on to receive his MBA from Vanderbilt Owen School of Management, and began his career with Wachovia Bank in Atlanta, Georgia, where he and his family lived until 2002. James moved to Charlotte, NC, where he continued his 35-year career with Wells Fargo Bank. He held many positions over the years, most recently Managing Director and the Senior Credit Officer for the Healthcare Corporate and Investment Banking Portfolio. James was a strong and humble leader – in his workplace, church, and family. He had a servant’s heart, quietly sacrificing for those around him, and he had a gift for noticing the most vulnerable. He was a father-figure to so many, besides his own children. One of his favorite Bible verses was Psalm 68:5-6, which says “The Lord…a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…” His work with Ciudad de Angeles, a children’s home in Cozumel, Mexico, is his living testimony to this passion in his heart. He quietly gave and supported so many who were in need. In addition to a demanding full-time career, he served as chairman of the board for the orphanage for many years, helping to establish it in its initial years. Through this work, he also gained another beautiful daughter - Esme. James deeply reflected the selfless, generous character of Christ and he lived to put others before himself. James loved to travel, he was an avid reader, and he was constantly researching and learning new things. He was a true intellect. James loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren. He brought “the fun” in Mimi and Mac and could often be found playing on the floor with them. Above all else, James knew that his purpose in this life was to glorify God and enjoy him forever – his life is a beautiful testament to his faith and his identity as a child of God.

James is survived by his wife of 38 years, Merrill Maxwell McCreary of Charlotte, NC; five children: Jay (Skyler), Catherine (Connor), Max (Kris), Allie (Stephen), Esme (Manuel), and five grandchildren: Easton, Brooks, and Briley (Jay and Skyler), Oliver and Henry (Connor and Catherine); his father J. Franklin McCreary and stepmother Debbie McCreary of Brentwood, TN; his brothers Josh (Staci) and Jason (Shelby); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Tucker McCreary. A celebration of his life will be held at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ - 5120 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220 on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at 3:00pm. The family will receive visitors following the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following organizations that are meaningful to James and his family:

Ciudad de Angeles, Inc., an orphanage in Cozumel, Mexico.

Mission Upreach, Inc., a Christian mission in Western Honduras.