Mr. James Edward Bilbrey, 48, of Rickman passed away at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, December 23 2025. James was a God-fearing man who also believed in the value of a job well done.

James was born to Minor C. and Bennie Maye Sullivan Bilbrey on July 2nd, 1977, in Muncie Indiana. James and his family moved to Tennessee in 1985 and always considered Tennessee home. James is survived by his brothers Raymond (Susan) Bilbrey and Gary (April) Bilbrey. He is also survived by his ex-wife Sandy Bowers, uncle Joeammon Sullivan, aunt Lori Beaty, niece Cassie Maye Bilbrey cousins Shirley Tayes and Jason Tayes and special friends Paul and Amy Bailey. James is also survived by a special friend, his beloved dog Walker.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and aunts Judy Sullivan and Mable Forhand.

Funeral services will be held at Speck Funeral Home on Sunday December 28th 2025 at 2 PM. The family will welcome friends to visit and share at 12 noon until time for the service. Cremation will follow the service with urn committal to be held at a later date. Brother Derek Bolinger will officiate the service.

Pallbearers will be Hugh Goss. Lloyd White, Jack Keith, Tony Sullivan, Tim Fleshman, and Tracy Mills.

James was a man who didn't know a stranger and one who loved deeply. Known for his dry wit, James enjoyed the solace of mowing but really loved time spent on his Harley-Davidson. James was employed as a truck driver by the Charles Bailey (CB) Trucking Company for many years. He made many friendships with his co-workers who will miss him greatly. James received Christ as his savior and was baptized at Hickory Valley Baptist Church by Bro. Doug Benningfield. In recent times James chose to worship and learn at N-Vizion Church in White County. James will be remembered for a lot of things but for sure he will be remembered for the way he battled valiantly against cancer.