James Lynn McNally

James Lynn McNally, of Hattiesburg, MS, was embraced in the arms of Jesus on August 26, 2025, at the age of 84. This world became a brighter place when James was born on January 8, 1941, in Pensacola, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Mae Agerton, Harvey Agerton, and Jesse H. McNally. James's journey through life was marked by his dedication to his faith, his family, and his country. James is the treasured husband of Janis Camille (Beasley) McNally, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He is the cherished father of Carla Renee Sanchez (William), Diana Camille Walker, James Terry McNally, and Rebecca Leigh Hill (Kevin Bounds); proud grandfather to Crystal Walton, Kurt Walker, Eric Fera, Matthew Fera, Rachel Prince, Dillon Sanchez, +Jakob Hill, and Maci Hill; great-grandfather to Aurora Walton; and brother of the late Myrice O'Dell. He is also the uncle to countless nieces and nephews. James graduated from Clarke College in Newton, MS, Class of 1978, and attended Louisiana College in Pineville, LA. James honorably served his country in the United States Navy. His time in the service instilled in him a great love of travel, discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic which carried him throughout his life. James served in many areas, however, the one that meant the most to him was when he was called to the ministry in 1976. He began his ministry at Rock Branch Baptist Church in Union, MS and was welcomed by numerous churches throughout the years including Bentley Baptist Church in Bently, LA, and finally retired from Bethany Baptist Church in Marigold, MS. James also served in various roles for many years at Marshall Durbin and was highly regarded as a CDL instructor. His legacy as a minister and a teacher was characterized by his loving and faith-filled nature. He touched the lives of countless individuals in the communities he served. He was instrumental in the development of youth programs and served faithfully in both local missions and international missions work. James enjoyed many things. In his early years, he could be found with either a golf club or tennis racquet in his hands or be found body surfing at the beach. However, what he LOVED the most was spending time with his family. He also loved music and could always be found humming a tune, he loved to play jokes and tricks on EVERYONE! Let me tell you about them tigers, you would NEVER find James without his signature accessory…..his LSU HAT… GEAUX Tigers! Those who knew James would describe him as a loving, unselfish, and faith-filled man. He approached everything with a spirit of generosity, unwavering forgiveness, and a heart full of love. He leaves behind an indelible mark on all who knew him. The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Legacy Hospice who have shown unmeasurable care and compassion not only for James, but for taking care of all of us. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. James will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that all donations be sent to his grandson's legacy of love mission of helping local students at Lamar County Education Foundation/Jakob Hill Memorial Fund. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com