James White Sr.

1936 - 2025

James Harvey White, Sr., 89, of Starkville, MS, formerly of Jackson, MS, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. He was born in Iuka, MS, on February 19, 1936, to the late Morrison and Etta White.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas White, and his wife, Judy; his brother, Fred White, and his wife, Beverly; and his sister-in-law, Barbara White.

James is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Sue White; his sons, James White, Jr. of Los Angeles, CA, and Tommy Lee White (Laurie) of Chapel Hill, NC; his daughter, Laura (Lainey) White of Long Island City, NY; and his stepchildren, Brian Moore (Cindy) of Benton, AR, and Bradley Moore (Erin) of Brandon, MS.
He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Hailey (Cassie) of Chapel Hill, NC, Spencer of Chicago, IL, Ruby, Riley, and Max, all of Long Island City, NY, Alyssa Moore of Starkville, MS, and Christian of Brandon, MS; his brothers, Steve White (Sherry) of Raymond, MS, and Morrison White of Pearl, MS; and his sister, Edie Bishop (Dick) of Houston, TX. Along with many nieces and nephews.

James graduated from Iuka High School in 1955 and Mississippi State University in 1964 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. After graduation, James worked as the Assistant County Engineer in Starkville. He later relocated to Jackson, MS, working for the Mississippi Department of Transportation for 36 years in various Divisions. Upon his retirement in 1999, he returned to Starkville to be near his passion: Mississippi State Baseball, although he supported all Mississippi State Sports.

James was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Starkville, MS. James was a Christian with a quiet faith. He had a loving and giving spirit, that may not have been recognized by some because he was a private person, not one to be flashy or brag on his generosity or accomplishments. He had a love and adoration for family like no other. His love for Sue was without question, as was her love for him.

A registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor. James held memberships while also serving as Chairman or President in several engineering societies which included ASCE, AASHTO, IRWA, MES, NSPE. He was also a member of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board at Mississippi State University from 2006 to 2022. One of his proudest accomplishments while serving on this board was seeing the completion of the new Civil and Environmental Engineering building.

James had a passion for all things Mississippi State. He was a member of the Bulldog Club, the Dugout Club, the Leo Seal Society, and was a Legacy Member of the MSU Foundation. He and his wife proudly established an Endowed Scholarship at Mississippi State University. It was his goal to give back to the university he cherished and to help others have the same opportunities that Mississippi State gave him.

James love for traveling was evident in many trips he and Sue made throughout the United States, Italy and Canada. He loved driving everywhere. He was happiest behind the wheel, because to him that was the way to see God's creation. Italy was the exception. The trips to Italy were special, but favorites were a four-week trip to Alaska and a western and eastern loop of the United States, visiting family and friends at points in between. There were other favorite travels that are too many to name.

James cherished the friendships made through the many sports activities, as well as his friendships with members of the Sanderson Center, where he exercised every day except Sunday until his health declined. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his wife, who will always cherish their life together.

His family would like to thank all those involved in his care during this difficult time, as well as for the support shown to his wife, Sue.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on January 16, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, Starkville, MS in the small chapel on the first floor, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30; with the Celebration of Life Service at 11:30. Interment will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.