Bill James Obituary

RET Capt. William Byrd "Bill" James, 83, of Grenada, passed away Tuesday, October, 21, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 19, 1942 in Ft. Benning, GA to the late RET Maj. Byrd Lafayette James & Alvildia Conyers James. Bill was a graduate of John Rundle High School and earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Mississippi while serving in the Navy ROTC. He also earned his Master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. Bill honorably served our country as a US Naval Officer for over 24 years retiring as a US Navy Captain. Bill & his family were stationed all over the United States & his service to our country spanned the entire world during his Naval ship deployments . He also, as a small child, grew up in a military family living overseas in Japan & Germany. Following his retirement from the Navy, Bill was a Manager at Pioneer Beef & Delta Pride Catfish. He also was the Plant Manager at Krueger International in Winona. Bill was a faithful Christian & enjoyed the fellowship he had with others at Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was an active member and President of the Fortenberry Sunday school class. Bill most enjoyed spending time on the family farm at Gore Springs throughout his lifetime helping raise black angus cattle, growing vegetables & fruits, watching the cotton grow, & fishing. Also, he loved "Da Days" with his grandchildren, Friday night dinners out with his wife, Emily, & his weekly lunch with his ROMEO buddies..Retired Old Men Eating Out. He loved taking selfies with his family using his selfie stick. His favorite song was "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood & his favorite artist was Toby Keith as Bill was a true Patriot.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, October 27, 2025 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Rev. J. Barry Worrell and Dr. Brent Barker officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Gore Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at McKibben and Guinn.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Emily Young James; two daughters, Jennifer James Cheesar(Anthony) of Dallas, TX and Beth James Welch(Brad) of Hernando; one son, John Darrell James(Erin) of Oak Park, IL; sister, Cheryl Grantham of Hernando and eight grandchildren, Kellyanne Martin, Hannah Cheesar, Emmy Cheesar, Lilly Cheesar, Brody Welch, Cooper James, Fiona James and Phoebe James.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include John James, Cooper James, Brad Welch, Brody Welch, Josh James and Trent Cox.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Cheesar, Herb Parks, Joe Lee, Dick Williams, Charles Calhoun, Phil Poovey and Ernie Felker.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).