"Diamond" Jim Mabus

"Diamond" Jim Mabus is now Heaven-bound, bestowing his knowledge of Delta farming and political consulting to all that will listen. He was truly an original, a one-of-a-kind. If you ever met Diamond Jim Mabus, you never forgot it. Jim was a loving, caring father and a great friend to all. He spent time researching recipes and cooking incredible meals. Summer was his time to research college football statistics with his sons and do a little football prognosticating on which SEC team would win the national championship. Jim was also a political junkie and thought elections were the greatest American spectator sport.

Born in Washington, DC (which may account for his love of politics), Jim's childhood was spent growing up in exotic places like Jakarta, Indonesia, and New Orleans. His experiences in life would rival any Hunter Thompson novel. Jim's first job was as an after-school runner for none other than Carlos Marcello in New Orleans. You'll have to let your imagination fill in the blanks on that one. Later, he and his father farmed cotton, soybeans, and catfish in Issaquena County. When Ray Mabus ran for State Auditor, his cousin Jim caught the political bug. We could tell you a lot of stories about his political consulting days, but you may have to wait for the movie.

Jim suffered a stroke while making sure the family's dogs were ok while the rest of the family was out of the country celebrating his son Denver's wedding. A too-long wait for help from an ambulance service rendered him unable to recover. We are grateful for the Jackson Fire Department men who responded quickly to our call. Jim's last seven days with us were in the St. Dominic's ICU. Our family is forever grateful for the kindness and care he got from the doctors, nurses and staff. The circumstances of events leading to his death are now the subject of a concerted effort to improve ambulance response time to the citizens of Jackson. For that, we are grateful.

Appropriately, we said our goodbyes to Jim on May 4 - Star Wars Day - May the 4th be with You.

Please keep our family, Jimmy Mabus of Baton Rouge, LA, John Mabus of Ottawa Hills, OH, Denver (Mary Katherine) Mabus of Brandon, and Jake Mabus of Jackson in your hearts and prayers. Jim also leaves behind his ex-wife and friend, Donna Echols (Mom of Denver and Jake), sister Linda Mabus Jorgenson of Boston, MA, uncle Tom Garner of Richardson, TX, and cousins Joette Cook and her daughter Carley (Christo) Cook Sullivan of Grand Prairie, TX. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, James and Carmen Haas Mabus, Sr. of Mayersville and his aunt "Lou" Garner of Richardson, TX.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held for Jim on Saturday, July 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Natural Science Museum located on 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS 39202. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim with us. If you would like to honor Diamond Jim Mabus with a donation, we could think of no better way than to his favorite SEC school where he was an Ole Miss "Deke" - umfoundation.com/diamondjim.