James William "Jim" Guest II

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford
James William Guest II passed away peacefully at home in Oxford, Mississippi on October 9, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by those he loved the most. Jim, as he was called, had recently celebrated his 76th birthday with family and friends, and in his own incomparable way, was the "life of the party." His jovial personality, friendly spirit and lovable qualities were endearing to everyone with whom he came in contact. His characteristics of being generous, warm-hearted, and compassionate were admirable and genuine traits that his family and others all experienced. He was well known in many circles of friends as a humble and caring person who put the needs of others before his own. Jim lived his life with much exuberance. He was always an upbeat person and made others around him feel special. He was a graduate of Cruger-Tchula Academy, and loved being recognized as the first quarterback of the football team there, proudly wearing the number 10 jersey. Jim was an avid deer and duck hunter but most of all he just loved spending time in the Delta. His eyes would light up when he would start telling his hunting and football stories. His story telling was like no other, with his impeccable memory and slight ability to embellish, he could tell you how many ducks he killed on a specific day or which football play they ran against Isola in 1967.
In 1968, Jim met the "love of his life" Mary Catherine Mosley. After living and working in the Madison, MS area for many years, they later moved to Oxford, Mississippi where they worked together selling real estate. Jim loved showing land in the delta especially when he was able to hunt on the family farm. Oftentimes, he would phone his sister, Brenda to let her know he was coming out of the woods and she would have a hot, delicious meal ready and waiting for him.
As devout Christians and servants of God, Jim and Mary Catherine often opened their hearts and home to the less fortunate in times of need. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Catherine Mosley Guest; daughter, Olivia King (J. W.), of Madison, Mississippi; son, Will Guest (Hayden), of Oxford, Mississippi; grandchildren Jake King, of Leadville, Colorado, Blaise King, of Breckenridge, CO, Brooklyn Tingle, of Oxford, Mississippi; brother, Tom Guest (Margaret), of Oxford, Mississippi; sisters, Brenda Bridgers (Lee), of Greenwood, Mississippi, and Beth Embry (Roy), of Madison, Mississippi; several nieces and nephews and other beloved family members. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Christine Daniel Guest and Thomas Edward Guest. There will be a family graveside service followed by a Celebration of Life on October 23, 2025 at 3:30pm at The Farmstead Pavilion at Woodson Ridge (39 CR 2068 Oxford, MS). Family and friends are encouraged to bring a handwritten story, joke or quote that reminds them of Jim.