Mamed “Jimmy” Eralie passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the age of 76 in Chattanooga, Tennessee — though if you asked him, he would say he was forever 19½.

Born in Germany on April 30, 1949, Jimmy immigrated to New York City as a child with his parents and brother. Though he never became a U.S. citizen, he was an American at heart and proudly volunteered for the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After several years of service and an honorable discharge, he returned home and started his family.

Jimmy spent many years as a truck driver until an accident left him paralyzed. He refused to let a wheelchair define him. He played on a wheelchair basketball team in Pennsylvania, drove cars through the woods, rode four-wheelers whenever he could, and lived life with energy and humor. He was known for popping wheelies in his chair and teaching kids how to enjoy the outdoors.

To his family, he was “Opa”, a devoted father, grandfather, and uncle. Many nieces and nephews proudly called him their favorite uncle. He had a mischievous sense of humor and loved embarrassing people, especially by asking if they picked their nose and calling them liars when they said no.

Jimmy loved family, fishing for snook, a perfectly cooked lamb dinner, anime, the New York Giants, and video games. Having never finished high school himself, he placed enormous value on education and was deeply proud of his children and grandchild, never missing an opportunity to tell others how successful they were.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Yergis and Lidwina Eralie.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Faith Eralie; his children, James Black and Chassidy Eralie; his grandchild, Dylan Tharp Eralie; grandson-in-law, Ryan Tharp Eralie; and his brother, John Eralie.

Services will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Thursday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at the family home.