Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 21, for Jamie Dewitt Isabel, Sr., a Nashville businessman, entrepreneur and former Metro Council member whose decades of civic, political and business leadership left a lasting imprint on Nashville and Tennessee State University.

Isabel died Aug. 10 at age 61. Born June 13, 1965, in Memphis, he built a career that combined entrepreneurship with public service, political engagement, support for historically Black institutions and advocacy for greater economic opportunities for Black businesses.

Friday’s services will be held at Temple Church, 3810 Kings Lane. Isabel will lie in state from 10 to 11 am, followed by visitation with the family from 11 am until noon. A celebration of life will begin at noon.

Entombment will follow at 2 pm at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum, 1428 Elm Hill Pike.

A public viewing was scheduled for Aug. 20 from 10 am to 4 pm at Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors in Nashville.

Isabel’s entrepreneurial instincts developed early. At 13, he asked his mother and great-aunts for a lawnmower so he could start earning money, hire friends and contribute tithes and offerings to his church. That early venture would foreshadow a career centered on business ownership and economic independence.

After graduating from Central High School in Memphis, Isabel attended Tennessee State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1989.

TSU remained an important part of his life long after graduation.

As an active alumnus and supporter, Isabel worked through corporate partnerships, alumni initiatives and fundraising efforts to generate millions of dollars in support for scholarships, student success and institutional advancement.

Among his most ambitious efforts was the ‘Million Dollar in One Month’ campaign, which challenged TSU alumni and supporters to dramatically increase their financial commitment to the university. The effort ultimately generated more than $1.7 million.

Isabel’s commitment to TSU reflected his broader belief in strengthening historically Black colleges and universities and creating opportunities for future generations.

In 1996, he founded Dalmatian Creative Agency, Inc., a full-service promotional products company specializing in corporate apparel and uniforms. He later established Dalmatian Public Affairs, expanding the company’s reach.

Under Isabel’s leadership, Dalmatian grew into what his family describes as the world’s largest African American-owned promotional products and uniform distributor. His entrepreneurial interests also extended into retail operations, including stores at Nashville International Airport and other commercial locations.

The company continues under the leadership of his wife, Karen Anderson Isabel, who serves as CEO and majority owner.

Isabel also developed relationships throughout corporate and political circles. He worked in support of campaigns and political leaders locally and nationally, including efforts supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.

His own public service included four years representing District 2 on the Metropolitan Nashville Council.

During his Council tenure, Isabel chaired the Parks, Library and Entertainment Facility Committee from 2006-07 and the Federal Grants Committee from 2003-04. He was also a founder and charter member of the Nashville City Council Black Caucus.

His work on the Council frequently focused on equity within Metro government and opportunities for Black residents and business owners. Isabel raised concerns about disparities in Metro procurement and barriers faced by Black-owned businesses seeking government contracts, pushing for greater transparency, access and economic inclusion.

His service extended well beyond elected office.

Isabel was a member of The Temple Church and its Deacon Ministry. His civic involvement included service as a trustee of Watkins College of Art & Design, a board member of the Davidson County Residential Recovery Court and a former trustee of the Better Business Bureau. He also remained active in the Tennessee State University Alumni Association and numerous other civic organizations.

Faith was central to Isabel’s life and approach to leadership. His family described him as someone who sought God’s guidance in his decisions and viewed his business success, generosity and service to others as expressions of his faith.

Throughout his career, Isabel became known as a builder—not simply of businesses, but of relationships, institutions and opportunities for others.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dana Jo Isabel, and sister, Marilyn Isabel Scurlock.

Isabel is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen Anderson Isabel; children, Jamie Dewitt Isabel II, Aaren Anderson Isabel and J’Kia Armanie Isabel; brothers, Martin P. Isabel and Reginald T. Isabel; and a large extended family.

For Nashville’s Black business and civic communities, Isabel’s death marks the loss of a leader whose influence crossed the boundaries of business, government, education, politics and faith.

His legacy can be seen in the company he built, the university he championed, the public policies he sought to influence and the generations of entrepreneurs and community leaders he encouraged along the way.