Jim Bearden

1946 - 2025

Jim Bearden, age 78, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born on December 12, 1946, to Mary Evelyn Bearden and James Winfred Bearden.

Jim grew up in Alabama and graduated from Bibb County High School, setting the foundation for a life dedicated to service, craftsmanship, and devotion to family and faith. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years before continuing his military career with a distinguished 36-year tenure in the Mississippi National Guard. His time in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 was especially meaningful; he touched many lives and found deep fulfillment in the camaraderie and purpose it brought him.

Jim had a sharp eye for detail and a deep appreciation for preserving memories. A passionate photographer long before the digital age, he filled bins with photos: snapshots of life taken on film, carefully saved and cherished. He also enjoyed airplanes, woodworking, and spending time outside doing any kind of yard work.

On October 25, 1980, Jim married the love of his life, Carol Ann Lowrey Bearden, with whom he shared 44 loving years. Together, they became active and faithful members of First Baptist Church of Tupelo in 1991. Jim found special joy and fellowship in his Sunday school class and his Wednesday afternoon coffee group, which brought him meaningful friendships over the years. He was always ready to lend a hand and especially valued his time assisting Norma Wicker with Wednesday evening meals. He and his wife volunteered in the nursery, where he was commonly known as the baby whisperer.

Though soft-spoken by nature, Jim's love for his family was loud and clear, especially for his grandchildren, who were the pride of his life. A devoted "Pop," he created lasting traditions with them, like giving each one a silver dollar every Christmas, a simple but deeply meaningful gesture. Known affectionately as a collector of all things, Jim had a knack for finding value in life's small treasures. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and a steady presence.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Lowrey Bearden; three children, Dr. James "Jimbo" W. Bearden III and his wife, Rachael, of Madison, Jonathan Lowrey Bearden and his wife, Valerie, of Brandon, and Matthew Alan Bearden and his wife, Dani, of Saltillo; five grandchildren, Hunter, Max, Myles, Ava, and Remi; sisters, Linda Lawrence and her husband, Davis, of Centerville, Alabama, and Cheryl Robertson of Winfield, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Evelyn Ragland and James Bearden; siblings, Charles Grady Bearden and Larry Bearden; and three infant siblings, Terri Bearden, Jerri Bearden, and Evelyn Bearden.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. until service time Monday, October 13, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services with Military Honors will be 1 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Jefferson Street Chapel with Bro. Matt Powell and Bro. Ricky Young officiating. Burial will follow at New Lebanon Cemetery in Prentiss County.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 and the Mississippi National Guard 185th Aviation Unit.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 300 Church Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.