James "Jimmy" Alan Grimes

James "Jimmy" Alan Grimes, died peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family, at his home in Laurel, MS. Jimmy was born on October 14,1948, in Brookhaven, MS, to the late Mr. and Ms. S.E. Grimes, Jr. (Earl and Penny). He graduated from Biloxi High School (Class of 1966) where he developed life-long friendships. He was an Ole Miss Rebel at heart. Jimmy attended the University of Mississippi where he studied banking and finance, and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1970 from the University of Mississippi. Jimmy began his career at Mississippi Chemical Corporation in Yazoo City, MS, as an Internal Auditor-Audit Supervisor from 1970-1979. Service in the US Army from 1970 to 1979 included active duty followed by reserve duty. He received an Honorable Discharge as a Captain in 1979. On July 12, 1975, Jimmy wed his wife of almost 40 years, the late Gail Herring Grimes, in Yazoo City. Jimmy and Gail, along with their 3 children, moved to Laurel, MS, in 1979. It was in Laurel that he began employment with Sanderson Farms as Chief Internal Auditor. Jimmy worked at Sanderson Farms for 33 years, retiring in 2012 as Secretary of Corporations and Corporate Controller. The bonds with co-workers and friendships formed while at Sanderson Farms did not end with his retirement, but continued and remained a significant part of his life. Jimmy was affectionately known as "Pop" to his son, James Hunter (Catfish) Grimes of Gulfport; and his 2 daughters, Laura Grimes Singley of Hattiesburg and Memory Grimes Graham of Hattiesburg. In addition to his children, he is survived by a sister, Lynda Grimes Ferris (Doug) of Oxford, MS; 6 grandchildren, Dr. Rachael Gandy Hudson (Kel), Alan Singley, Rayne Graham, Kade Grimes, Autumn Graham and Rylee Grimes; 1 great granddaughter, Frances Hudson; and his canine companion "Lizzie Belle". Jimmy was a member of First United Methodist Church for 30 years, serving on the Stewardship Committee from 1993-1995. Prior to First United Methodist Church, he was a member of Kingston United Methodist Church. He was a dutiful husband, son and brother, a constant guiding presence in the lives of his children, and a loving grandfather. He never forgot a birthday, cherished times spent with friends, loved hunting, loved the Ole Miss Rebels, and was always looking forward to planning that next great trip. Per Jimmy’s request, in lieu of a formal memorial service, family and friends are invited to a visitation and gathering at First United Methodist Church in Laurel, MS, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Memorial Donations may be made to the Delta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity or the American Liver Foundation. To sign the online guest book, visit; www.memorychapellaurel.com

James "Jimmy" Alan Grimes

October 14, 1948 - February 9, 2024