James Israel

1938 - 2016

Israel James Arthur Israel Diamondhead James Arthur Israel of Diamondhead, MS passed away on January 29, 2016, at the age of 77 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. He was born on February 8, 1938 to the late Jean P. Israel and Laurence V. Israel at their home in Ville Platte, LA. He was known by many as Arthur or Jim. Jim was the beloved husband of Diana Pigott Israel for over 30 years and his caregiver for the last seven years since being diagnosed with Parkinson's and over two years with Lewy Body Dementia. He is the father of James S. Israel (Sarah), Michael D. Israel and Stephen A. Israel and the late David A. Israel and John T. Israel and survived by the children's Mother, Juanita J. Israel. Jim was the youngest of six siblings; surviving the late Rita B. Israel, John L. Israel, and Beryl J. Cunningham. He is survived by his brother, Thomas W. Israel (Ann) and sister, Sherry A. Comeaux (John). Jim had thirteen grand children; Jessica R. Crosmun (Caleb), Alyssa J. Condrey (Kyle), Jaid L. Israel, Amanda M. Israel, Aaron M. L. Israel, Nicholas M. Martin, Heather E. Israel, David P. Israel, Victoria J. Israel, Daniel H. Israel, Sophia R. Israel & Julianna L. Israel and the late Malorie F. Israel. He has six great grand children; Malachi D. Crosmun, Jeremiah D. Crosmun, Audrey L. Simpson, Rowan M. Harrold, Miriam F. Crosmun and Aaliyah Lynn Glaude. Jim retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the 159th Fighter Wing after 36 years of service and four years of active duty in the United States Navy. He was a resident of Diamondhead MS for the past 30 years. Jim was a member of the LA Air National Guard Retirees Association, the Men's Club of both Annunciation and St. Stephens Catholic Church and the American Legion, Waveland Chapter. His hobbies included cooking, gardening and fishing. He will be remembered for his work ethic, even temper and desire to please. He was a great Cajun Chef, who loved to prepare meals for his fellow workers and retirees. He volunteered his services for many functions, especially at the 159th Fighter Wing and Men's Church Club's; he even catered several large functions for each. Family and friends of the 159th Fighter Wing, LA Air National Guard Retirees Association and Men's Clubs of both Annunciation and St. Stephens Catholic Church are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 9062 Kiln-Delisle Road, Pass Christian MS 39571, on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 2 pm; visitation at 12:30 till service time. Interment will be at a later date at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 248 Honor Circle, Newton, MS 39345. Memorials can be made to the Building Fund of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.