06/17/2026
🙏 He's back! 🙏
Two weeks ago today, our beloved and highly respected family minister Jim Chamblee, went into cardiac arrest. What happened next is nothing short of God's faithfulness on display through the hands of His people.
A nurse named Sally Johnson, who just happened to be at home that morning, began bystander CPR with her husband’s help. Jim's wife, Shirley, gave rescue breaths. And within moments, a rapid response from Dyersburg Fire, Dyersburg Police, and Medical Center EMS led to a successful defibrillation and the return of his pulse. Air Evac Lifeteam then flew Jim to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, where he received excellent care.
Jim spent 72 hours on a ventilator in ICU before being moved to a regular room. His heart cath came back clear, a defibrillator was implanted the following day, and he continued to do well throughout his recovery. He was discharged from the hospital last night.
And this morning - two weeks to the day after going into cardiac arrest - Jim Chamblee was back at work in the church office.
To say we are thrilled to have him back is an understatement.
Jim has said it again and again since:
“Everyone needs to know how quickly something can happen to you. I was having no pain. No symptoms. No problems - and a second later, I was in cardiac arrest."
If his story moves you, let it be this: learn CPR. It saves lives. It saved Jim's. Live selflessly - serve others. And most importantly, be ready to meet the Lord.
From Jim, Shirley, and their children:
“We cannot adequately thank this community, our precious family, the friends he has walked beside across more than 60 years of ministry, and the incredible public safety teams who helped resuscitate him. Your prayers have sustained this family, and your love has blessed them more than words can say. A very special thank you to our Medical Center EMS crew, Ashley McIntosh, Katlyn Po***ck, and Mike Simpson and to the Dyersburg Fire team - Doug DeSpain, Buddy Neal, Lane Fowlkes, and Ethan Carson (his first day and first call as a firefighter was certainly a memorable one)! You answered the call, and a husband, father, and minister is alive today because you did. The care we received at JMCGH ICU and on A8 was just terrific. Everyone was the best! With all our love, respect, and appreciation - Jim and Family.”
We serve a faithful God. This week, we have seen it with our own eyes.
Welcome home, Jim. đź’™
- West Dyersburg Church of Christ
