James Ronald Mikels

MIKELS. James Ronald (Ron), age 87 of the Carter Community, went to be with the Lord on February 20, 2025, where he will abide forever, never again to experience pain. Because of Christ's great love and mercy, he had been a cancer survivor since 2012; His memory will burn brightly in our hearts until we meet again. Ron received Christ at age ten and the infilling of the Spirit in 1972. He was a member of Washington Pike UMC and a lifetime member of Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International. He always wanted to do the honorable thing even when it caused great personal loss.

Author of the book “Amen & Beyond” and writer for national religious, business, and health publications.

Listed in Marquis' “Who's Who in the World”, “Who's Who in America”, “Who's Who in Finance and Industry”, and “Who's Who in the South and Southwest”. Employed by Park National Bank (now Regions) as EDP auditor until 1978. From 1979-80, he served as retirement specialist for the University of TN. Then employed by Home Federal Bank as Vice Pres of Human Resources 1980-2000. From 2001 until retirement, he remained a popular instructor for the University of Tennessee's Professional and Personal Development programs and Pellissippi State Community College's non-credit programs. During his banking career, he also taught for The Institute of Financial Education, American Institute of Banking and Junior Achievement. He had earned the designation of Professional in Human Resources.

In July, 1964, he was named East TN's first computer programmer/analyst in the banking industry. Graduated from East Knoxville High School and, at the age of 16, entered the University of TN and, through the work-study program, completed his business administration degree with a minor in journalism. Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bethany Divinity Seminary with the Master of Religious Education degree. In later years, he studied theology on the doctoral level. He and his wife produced Daily Telephone Devotions for Shut-Ins 1971-77. Mr. Mikels was a student of the Scriptures and regularly provided Bibles for friends and charitable organizations. Until 2011, he was lay speaker for the Wesleyan Church.

He was also a certified forensic document examiner and widely-recognized court handwriting expert, 1968-1992, having testified in many forgery and questioned document cases. He had been a volunteer for United Way and, in earlier years, a member of the Knoxville Choral Society. Preceded in death by parents Jesse R. and Virginia Walters Mikels, sister Betty Wilson and brother, Jerry Mikels.

Survived by beloved wife and compassionate caregiver Norma Weatherly

Mikels, devoted son and daughter-in-law Rick and Meghan Mikels, and special granddaughters Olivia and Lillian, all of Knoxville; several nieces and nephews,

Reception of friends at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel, 2829 Rennoc Rd., Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m., memorial service following, officiated by Rev. Jennifer Spieth. Burial will remain private. Honorary pallbearer: lifetime friend Norman Millen. Family thanks neighbor, Brian Pratt and niece Pamela Burdett for their assistance during Ron’s illness. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com