James Keith Bigger

James Keith Bigger November 21, 1963 – June 20, 2025 James Keith Bigger, age 61, of Starkville, Mississippi, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 20, 2025. Born on November 21, 1963, in Laurel, Mississippi, Keith was raised in Beatrice, Alabama, and graduated from Monroe Academy in 1981. He went on to earn a B.S. in Business from the University of Alabama and later received his M.B.A. from Mississippi State University. Keith enjoyed a long and successful career as a seasoned supply chain operations professional. Over the course of more than 30 years, he worked with global manufacturers across multiple industries, including children's apparel, automotive electrical components, home décor, and most recently, the truck service industry. A man of deep faith and service, Keith was a member of First Baptist Church of Starkville, the Starkville Quarterback Club, and Kiwanis International, where he held many roles throughout the years, including District Foundation President and Lieutenant Governor of LA-Miss-Tenn District of Kiwanis International. He was the recipient of the River of Life award, which is given to a select few members within the organization. Keith's love for serving others was evident in all aspects of his life. Keith found great joy in the outdoors, traveling with his wife, playing golf with his father-in-law, Tommy Smith, and cheering on Mississippi State baseball. Deeply loved by residents and staff at Montgomery Gardens Assisted Living, where his wife serves as Administrator, Keith was always ready to lend a hand-whether changing a light bulb or helping with holiday events. His unwavering kindness and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his father, James Beck Bigger, Jr. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, T'Mara Smith Bigger; his mother, Caroline Seale Bigger; sisters Jane Bigger Dickens (Scott) and Beth Bigger Kolen (John); niece Caroline Dickens Reed (Brinson); and nephews Hayden Scott Dickens, John Patrick Bodnar, and John Michael Kolen. A graveside celebration of Keith's life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Roseland Park Cemetery in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Visitation will follow at Crescent City Grill in Hattiesburg. Keith had a great enthusiasm for "Maroon Friday," always proudly wearing one article of maroon clothing every Friday to express his pride and passion to the Bulldogs. In his honor, friends and family are encouraged to wear maroon to the service. Memorials may be made to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation or a charity of choice. The love, kindness, and compassion Keith shared with others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His gentle spirit and steadfast faith leave a legacy that will never be forgotten.