Jim Sattler, retired CEO of EMJ, passed away on January 8, 2023. He was 78 years old.
Jim joined EMJ in 1976, and retired in 2012, having completed 36 years of service. He served as president of EMJ under Ed Jolley. In 1994, he assumed the role of CEO, which he held for 16 years. He became EMJ’s chairman in 2010, when Jay Jolley became CEO. Jim served as EMJ’s chairman until his retirement in 2012.
Under his leadership, EMJ launched or purchased offices in four different markets, opened a renewable energy constructor, created a special projects division, and launched CORE Safety group. It was Jim’s vision to expand EMJ’s client list into sectors such as education, healthcare, sports, and hospitality.
In the early 1990s, he pegged two young men, Jay Jolley, and Burt Odom to relocate to Dallas to open our Southwest office. At the same time, he grew our business in Chattanooga, helping secure new and unique work in our hometown during its revitalization effort.
While most of our employees didn’t have the chance to work with Jim, much of what EMJ is today is a direct result of his long-term vision and work. We want to offer our deepest condolences to Lynda and their family.