James Shoemaker Jr.

1931 - 2013

James H. Shoemaker, Jr.

Jackson

James Horace (Jimmie) Shoemaker, Jr died peacefully with his family by his side on December 17, 2013.

He was born August 30, 1931 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Horace (Tubby) Shoemaker and Kittie Jackson Shoemaker. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Meridian, Mississippi, where he spent his early years. After his father's death in 1939, he and his mother moved to Jackson where Jimmie attended Duling Elementary School, Bailey Junior High and Jackson Central High School. He attended the University of Mississippi and graduated in 1954 with a degree in business administration and a commission in the U.S. Air Force. While at Ole Miss Jimmie became a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and was elected business manager of the yearbook. He spent two years on active duty in Washington, D.C., and fifteen years in the Air Force Reserve. He joined the family business, Strauss-Stallings Jewelers, in 1956, taking over as President in 1966. He was among the first jewelers in Jackson to become a Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist. He was a member of Gemological Institute of America, the Dixie Guild and the Miss. Retail Jewelers Association where he served as board member and as president. After closing his jewelry business in 1981, Jimmie became a Real Estate Broker and operated that business until his retirement in 2011. He was a board member of the Multiple Listing Service of Jackson, Miss., and served as President in 1999. He was a lifelong member of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as deacon, elder and President of the Board at First Christian Church and Covenant Christian Church. He was honored as Elder Emeritus in 2011. He was married for over 53 years to Gloria Rhodes Shoemaker of Jackson. Jimmie was a businessman of honor and integrity who served his church, his family, and his community to the best of his ability.

His wife and two sons survive him, James H. Shoemaker III (wife Holly) of Montgomery, Alabama and William Stallings Shoemaker of Jackson.

A memorial service to celebrate Jimmie's life will be held at Covenant Christian Church, 2400 Davis Road, Byram, MS on Saturday December 21, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation following.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Sta-Home Hospice Services, Hospice Ministries and Dr. James Polk for the care and comfort they provided Jimmie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Salvation Army or the Alzheimer's Association.