Memphis, TN

Big Jim’s Punkins and Christmas Trees Brings 46 Years of Family Tradition to Oak Court Mall

16 October 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Memphis, TN - October 16, 2025 - For more than four decades, families across Memphis have marked the changing seasons with a visit to Big Jim’s Punkins and Christmas Trees — a beloved local business rooted in faith, family, and community spirit. This year marks the 46th season for owner Jimmy “Big Jim” Wade, who continues to welcome guests to his familiar lot at Oak Court Mall, carrying forward a holiday tradition cherished by generations.

Big Jim’s Punkins at Oak Court Mall offers a classic fall experience in Memphis, featuring hundreds of pumpkins, festive décor, and family-friendly charm throughout the season.

What began as a small church fundraiser in the late 1970s has grown into one of the Mid-South’s most enduring seasonal operations. Big Jim’s story is one of humble beginnings, heartfelt connections, and steadfast values. The business’s signature name, “Big Jim’s Punkins,” was inspired by a little girl who once thanked Wade for “the punkin” she picked out—a moment that left such a lasting impression that it became his trademark.

“Everything I do on that lot is for the families,” Wade said. “If I can’t have a place for families, then I don’t want it. It’s all about them—and it always has been.”

Jimmy “Big Jim” Wade, Owner, Big Jim's Punkins and Christmas Trees

Now in his 46th year, Wade continues to greet visitors with the same warmth and enthusiasm that has defined his business from the beginning. Parents who once came as children now return with kids and grandkids of their own, turning what started as a simple purchase into an annual family tradition.

Big Jim’s has proudly partnered with Oak Court Mall for the past eight seasons, creating a sense of nostalgia and community connection that complements the center’s ongoing evolution. As Oak Court Mall moves toward a new chapter of redevelopment, traditions like Big Jim’s serve as a reminder of the meaningful local stories that have shaped its legacy.

“We’re honored to have Big Jim’s as part of the Oak Court family,” said Richard Daniels, General Manager at Oak Court Mall. “His presence brings joy to the property each year and reinforces what makes this place special — connection, community, and care.”

Richard Daniels, General Manager at Oak Court Mall

Guests can visit Big Jim’s Punkins and Christmas Trees at Oak Court Mall throughout the fall season to select pumpkins, gourds, and other fall décor, followed by fresh-cut Christmas trees and seasonal greenery later this year.

Big Jim’s Punkins and Christmas Trees
📍 Located at Oak Court Mall, 4465 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN
🕓 Open daily through the holiday season
🌐 For updates and operating hours, visit Big Jim’s Facebook pages:
Facebook page for Big Jim’s Punkins
Facebook page for Big Jim’s Christmas Trees

###

About Oak Court Mall:
Oak Court Mall is a community-focused retail destination located in East Memphis, Tennessee. Home to a diverse mix of national brands, regional retailers, and locally owned small businesses, the center offers a convenient and accessible shopping experience for families, professionals, and visitors alike. Anchored by Dillard’s and featuring a variety of specialty shops and service providers, Oak Court remains open and fully operational as it prepares for a thoughtful, phased redevelopment. With a vision for revitalization that honors its legacy while embracing future growth, Oak Court Mall is committed to supporting its tenants, engaging the community, and enhancing the retail landscape of Memphis for years to come. For more information, visit oakcourtmall.com.

About Poag Development Group:
Over three decades ago, Dan Poag, with then-business partner Terry McEwen, founded the predecessor to today’s Poag Development Group and coined the term “lifestyle center” to describe what is now the most in-demand retail real estate design. From subtle design elements to carefully crafted tenant mixes, Poag’s signature ability to translate small details into big experiences creates spaces and places that resonate with comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Poag centers are true community environments, destinations packed with the brands you know and animated with immersive elements that make them memorable and inviting. For more information, visit PoagDevelopmentGroup.com.

About JLL:
For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $20.8 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 110,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.