JAMES "JIM" ERNEST CORNETT

Big Stone Gap, VA-It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Ernest Cornett, age 83, of Big Stone Gap, VA, on Monday, February 9th, 2026. He was not only an incredible husband, dad and grandpa but an extraordinary friend to many. His humor, wisdom, and warmth left an incredible mark on everyone he met, and he will be dearly missed. He spent over 20 years in the real estate business; most recently as a realtor with Lonesome Pine Realty and was the former owner of Mountain Empire Realty. He retired after 30 years in the banking industry with First National Exchange Bank and Dominion Bank first in Bristol, then in Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, and Norton. As the owner of Trail Antiques for over 40 years, Jim was a respected antique dealer in the Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee communities. He had a keen eye for rescuing and restoring forgotten treasures and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt at flea markets and estate sales. He was also a co-owner, along with his wife Sue, of Sue’s Hallmark Shop, which served the community for over 25 years. 

Born in Bristol, VA, Jim was the son of Nannie Kate Edwards Cornett and William Clifton Cornett. He attended Bluff City High School, East Tennessee State University, the School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia, and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army after completing his active-duty training at Fort Jackson, SC. Sue and Jim began married life in North Carolina then settled in Bristol for seven years. Jim’s work in the banking industry prompted their move to Big Stone Gap in 1973. Immediately after moving to Big Stone Gap, Jim joined Lonesome Pine Country Club where he was a member for over 50 years. He was an avid golfer and made many lifelong friends there. 

Jim was a dedicated member of the Big Stone Gap community and was active in various organizations serving Southwest Virginia including the Wise County Chamber of Commerce, Wise County Industrial Development Authority Board, Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, Lonesome Pine Hospital Board, and Wellmont Health System Foundation Board. He was on the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board for over 40 years and was inducted into the Lonesome Pine Hall of Fame in 2008. He also proudly supported countless local charities. 

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Cornett Wright and her spouse, C F. Wright, III, and his granddaughter, Dr. Ariel Cornett and her spouse, Nathaniel Smith. He is also survived by a special niece, Patty Feathers; nephews, Bill, Don and Ron Eanes, and their families; and a devoted caregiver, Peggy Lambert. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Susan Lilly Fletcher Cornett, and both of his sisters, Wanda Cornett Eanes and Becky Cornett Trivett. He was also preceded in death by his parents. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 14th, at Gilliam Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, VA with visitation from 11:00am-1:00pm and funeral at 1:00pm with Pastor James Holcomb officiating. A graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Cornett family.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.