James M Vaughan Jr.

JAMES M. (JIMMY) VAUGHAN, JR.
James M. (Jimmy) Vaughan, Jr., 80, passed away December 23. Jimmy was born in Greenville, MS on February 27, 1945, to Evelyn C Vaughan and James M. Vaughan, Sr.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty Jo, his children, son Jay Vaughan of Starkville, MS, daughter Susie Sanders (Michael) of Cumming, GA, son Tom Vaughan (Christie) of Cumming, GA, stepdaughter Mitzi Willett of Tulsa, OK, and the mother of his children, Patricia M. (Pat) Vaughan of Starkville. Jimmy is also survived by his youngest sister, Cynthia Humphrey of Naples, FL. We are also remembering Jimmy's stepdaughter, Della Renee Sanders, during this time whose recent passing remains prominent in our hurting hearts.
Jimmy's grandchildren include Susie and Mike's children Benjamin Sanders of Cumming, GA, Mark Sanders of Cumming, GA, William Sanders of Cumming, GA, Lindsay Sanders of Cumming, GA, Jack Sanders of Cumming, GA, Tom and Christie's daughter, Anna Claire Vaughan of Cumming, GA, and Mitzi's son, Jessie Willett of Tulsa, OK. Jimmy is also survived by nieces Christine Chynoweth Foltz of Fayetteville, PA, Tabitha Powell of Vance, MS, Amanda Eilers Fessenden of Gainesville, FL, Heather McKnight of Ellabell, GA, and nephews Greg Vaughan of Columbus, MS, and Corey Vaughan of Naples, FL.
Mostly a lifelong resident of Starkville, MS, Jimmy graduated from Starkville High School in 1963 and soon began his many years of service by enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard, entering basic training at Fort Polk, LA. Jimmy rose through the ranks quickly becoming Starkville's HHB 2/114 FA's first sergeant at a young age. Jimmy during this time owned and operated S&V Tire Service in Starkville which in addition to retail sales and service also involved a very active commercial truck tire recapping division. The business eventually dissolved in the mid 1980's. Jimmy went on to begin his next 20 years of military service becoming HHB 2/114 FA's full-time ops-intel chief under the rank of Master Sergeant, eventually retiring as Sergeant Major.
Jimmy also had an underlying passion for law enforcement and began volunteering in the early 1970's as an auxiliary policeman for Starkville PD. Jimmy subsequently ran for and was elected constable of what is today's district 5. Upon completing over 40 years of military service, and having no use for retirement, Jimmy was asked to come to work for the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department as a deputy where he served in prisoner transport and eventually as the jail administrator until several years ago. Jimmy continued to work as a deputy, serving as a bailiff at the Oktibbeha County courthouse, and continuing that service until his sudden passing.
Jimmy also served as a Mason and was quite involved in veteran outreach through Post 13 of The American Legion in Starkville where he also once served as their Commander. Jimmy also holds a bachelor's degree in business from William Cary College. And as a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis, his presence will be sorely missed.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dan Moreland, John T. Lee, and to the memories of late Joe Morse and Charles M. (Chuck) Carter whose immense friendships to Jimmy over many years were so valuable to him. The family extends its deepest gratitude to all of his friends who've encountered him and helped make his life so good and full. Finally, we extend our genuine thanks to the outstanding team of professionals at Choctaw Regional in Ackerman for making Jimmy's last few days as comfortable as possible. Jimmy's last days there were filled with many stories, much laughter and love.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 12:00-1:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in the Mashulaville Baptist Cemetery in Mashulaville,, MS.