James B. "J.B." Markham Jr.

James B. "J.B." Markham, Jr., 76, passed away on October 24, 2022, at Oaktree Nursing Center, Amory, Mississippi. He was born in Amory, MS, on March 11, 1946, to the late James Buford and Jessie Mae Ray Markham.

JB grew up in Monroe County and served as the class president at Smithville High School in 1964 and he graduated Valedictorian. Driven for knowledge, he went on to further his education at Itawamba Junior College. He then completed his Bachelors of Science and Master's Degree in Education at MSU and he was a proud member of the MSU Alumni Association and MSU Bulldog Club. Later in life because of his appreciation for education, he also attended some courses at Auburn University. He married Diane Markham on June 7, 1970, and together they were blessed with four children. Diane and he shared many wonderful years together until her passing in 2007.

Involved in his community, JB worked many places during his lifetime. At an early age, he worked as a Rural Mail Carrier. Later, he became the Assistant Superintendent for Monroe County School District as well as the Director for the Federal Programs administered for the county.

A talkative man, the job he enjoyed the most was working for the citizens of the State of Mississippi. He was elected as State Representative of House District 20 and he served from 1997 until 2007. While there, he served as the Vice Chairman of Military Affairs Committee as well as a member of the following committees: Agriculture, Apportionment and Elections, Conservation and Water Resources, County Affairs, Education, Fees and Salaries of Public Officers, Juvenile Justice, Oil, Gas, and Other Minerals, and Reapportionment and Redistricting for the State of Mississippi. He took this position very seriously and he read every bill thoroughly ensuring he understood it completely before voting on it. Anytime someone wanted to talk politics, they had his full attention and he enjoyed diving deep into state matters. JB also managed different properties on the side, including farms and forestry land.

Never meeting a stranger, he led a full life during which he volunteered and served in many capacities. He was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, served on the Board of Trustees, the Wesley Foundation, as well as a Sunday School Teacher. When he was able, he was active in the youth activities in the church. JB also served on Meals on Wheels, The Monroe County Forestry Association, Member of the Farm Bureau, as well as served at the Food Pantry and was a member of the Diabetes Research and the American Heart Association. In his downtime, he liked to walk, read good books, watch the news, and get a good laugh from watching Andy Griffith. JB listened to Elvis, the Beatles and Johnny Cash.

He was passionate about serving his community and he touched so many lives during his lifetime. The legacy of memories he left behind will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his daughters, Tam Finney (Frank), Amory, Traci Knight (Michael), Amory; son, Justin Markham (Cinda), Atlanta; grandchildren, Megan Finney, Nashville; Spencer and Emma Claire Markham, Starkville; Caroline and Julia Markham, Atlanta; Caitlin and Bailey Knight, Amory; sister, Janice Hensley, Florida; nieces, Carmen Watts, Henderson, TN, April O' Barr, Navarre, Florida; best friend and advisor, Ronnie Boozer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Markham; son, James Jeffrey Markham; a still-born brother.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 11:00 am at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Gordon officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the service hour at the funeral home in Amory.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1123 Legion Drive, Amory, or to the Amory Food Pantry, 123 South Main Street, Amory, MS 38821.