University of Tennessee Athletics
Baseball VFL Jim Worthington Passes Away
January 19, 2026 | Baseball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Former Tennessee Baseball player Jim Worthington has passed away.
The longtime VFL was a part of the Volunteer's baseball program from 1947-49. Worthington played catcher for the Big Orange, earning varsity letters in 1948 and 1949.
Worthington, who was Tennessee athletics' oldest living letterwinner, died peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the age of 100 after a highly accomplished and inspiring life that was well spent putting others first, leaving a lasting legacy through everyone that he interacted with.
Born in Sheffield, Alabama on Aug. 26, 1925, Worthington resided in Norcross, Georgia, where he proudly supported all of Tennessee's athletic programs. Worthington graduated from the University of Tennessee following his honorable service in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.
The Tennessee baseball team welcomed Worthington back to campus to throw out the ceremonial first pitch against South Carolina on May 18, 2024.
Worthington was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, his wife Sallye Webb Worthington, his son Jim III, daughter-in-law Becki, granddaughter Michelle, and great-grandson William. Jim is survived by his son Bob (Piper) and grandchildren Webb (Georgia), Maggie (Craig), and Will (Carly), along with son Bill (Leslie) and grandchildren Emily (Matt) and Bobby (Erin), plus 12 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service is scheduled to take place at the Baylor School in Chattanooga on Saturday, January 24 at 1 p.m. ET. The family will receive guests beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Baylor School Chapel. More information can be found by clicking HERE.
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The longtime VFL was a part of the Volunteer's baseball program from 1947-49. Worthington played catcher for the Big Orange, earning varsity letters in 1948 and 1949.
Worthington, who was Tennessee athletics' oldest living letterwinner, died peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the age of 100 after a highly accomplished and inspiring life that was well spent putting others first, leaving a lasting legacy through everyone that he interacted with.
Born in Sheffield, Alabama on Aug. 26, 1925, Worthington resided in Norcross, Georgia, where he proudly supported all of Tennessee's athletic programs. Worthington graduated from the University of Tennessee following his honorable service in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.
The Tennessee baseball team welcomed Worthington back to campus to throw out the ceremonial first pitch against South Carolina on May 18, 2024.
Worthington was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, his wife Sallye Webb Worthington, his son Jim III, daughter-in-law Becki, granddaughter Michelle, and great-grandson William. Jim is survived by his son Bob (Piper) and grandchildren Webb (Georgia), Maggie (Craig), and Will (Carly), along with son Bill (Leslie) and grandchildren Emily (Matt) and Bobby (Erin), plus 12 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service is scheduled to take place at the Baylor School in Chattanooga on Saturday, January 24 at 1 p.m. ET. The family will receive guests beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Baylor School Chapel. More information can be found by clicking HERE.
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