James Earl “Jim” Batch, 87, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.

Jim was a faithful member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, a devoted Cleveland sports fan, and a man who embraced life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a deep appreciation for family and friends. Among his many interests were traveling, hiking, researching family genealogy, and, for many years, playing golf and tennis.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1938, Jim spent his early childhood traveling throughout the country with his family before his father's work brought them to Oak Ridge during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. After graduating from high school, Jim attended college in Atlanta, Georgia, where he studied mechanical engineering. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1960 and often shared stories of the demanding weekend classes and laboratory sessions that were common for engineering students in the late 1950s.

Following graduation, Jim returned to Oak Ridge and began a rewarding career in product engineering at the Y-12 facility. He took great pride in his work during the Cold War and the contributions he made throughout his career. With the Cold War won, his enthusiasm for the new mission in Oak Ridge began to fade. After retiring in 1991, he happily devoted himself to the pursuits he loved most.

Jim and Jane’s lake house became the center of countless family memories. The Batches were gracious hosts who welcomed family and friends throughout the summer. Jim especially enjoyed driving the boat for skiers and tubers of every skill level, often staying on the water until sunset or until the fuel tank ran dry. When lake season ended, cruise season began. Jim and Jane enjoyed traveling together, often taking cruises in the spring and fall. He also found great enjoyment in assisting local CPA Robert Green during tax season, a role he looked forward to each year.              Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jane Brown Batch; his father, Richard Marvin Batch; his mother, Cecil Hetrick Batch; his sister-in-law, Barbara Batch of California; and his uncle, Robert Batch of Connecticut.

He is survived by his sons, Kenneth Arthur Batch (Kathy) and Russell Earl Batch (Andrea); six grandchildren, Caroline May (Kyle), Madeline May (Joel), Nolan Batch (Jordan), Emma Parrish (Preston), Natalie Batch, and Charles Batch; and five great-grandsons, Jack May, Townsend Parrish, Barrett May, Conrad Parrish, and Russell May. He is also survived by his older brother, John Marvin Batch of California, and his brother-in-law, Robert Brown (Joyce).

Jim will be remembered for his steady character, quick wit, love of family, and his ability to make every gathering—whether at the lake, on a cruise, or around the dinner table—more enjoyable for those around him.

The family will receive friends at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 127 Lafayette Drive, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on Thursday, June 4, beginning at 10:30 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m., with interment immediately afterward at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.