James Sumrall

1939 - 2016

Mr. James D. "Jimmy" Sumrall

Hattiesburg

Jim Sumrall, 76, died at home in Hattiesburg July 22, 2016, after a severe spinal injury in May.

Jim was born November 1, 1939, to O'Dell and J. Noel Sumrall. He grew up in Laurel as an active member of the First United Methodist Church and worked with his father at Sumrall Funeral Home for years. He went on to become a Russian translator in the military and then settled into a career in the financial industry in New Orleans. When he returned home, he spent more than thirty years as the administrator of Hattiesburg Radiology Group.

Jim was known to friends and family for being kind, reflective, empathetic, generous and funny. He had many interests throughout his life - music, art, history, philosophy and world affairs. But by far, his greatest pleasure was conversation. He enjoyed nothing more than visiting over a good meal, or an in-depth conversation, late into the night.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Woods Sumrall, his daughter, Natalie Lynn Sumrall, his mother, O'Dell Sumrall, his brother, John (Suzy), his sister, Merris along with five nephews, a great-niece and a great- nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, J. Noel Sumrall and his sister, Margaret Dillard.

Jim always enjoyed animals but through his wife and daughter, he grew to become a true dog lover. At the end of his life, the family dogs were his faithful companions and a steady comfort to him. Instead of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in his honor to Hub City Humane Society or Southern Pines Animal Shelter.

Funeral services will be held at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home Chapel in Hattiesburg on Tuesday, July 26th, at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 12:30 PM at the funeral home. Reverend Jerry Rawls, Jim's longtime friend, will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Lake Park Cemetery in Laurel afterward.