James Larry Essary

A celebration of the life with military honors for James Larry “Jim” Essary, age 94, of Corinth, is set for 11 AM Friday, December 23, 2022 at Pinecrest Baptist Church. His family will receive friends and family on Thursday evening December 22, 2022 from 5 PM to 7 PM and on Friday, December 23, 2022 from 10 AM until service time at the church.

            Mr. Essary, “Jim”, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, December 18, 2022. He was born is Alcorn County, Mississippi on August 7, 1928 to Larry Hill and Ruby Borden Essary. He was raised in a loving home and family. He graduated from Alcorn County Agriculture High School (now known as Kossuth High School) in May of 1948. He attended college at Memphis School of Commerce which later became part of the University of Memphis, in Memphis, Tennessee, where he received his B.A. in accounting. Immediately following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

            During his military service he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Joy Hood. Following his discharge, he worked at a position his father had arranged for him with King Tractor Company as parts manager and bookkeeper, where he worked for fourteen years. Later he worked for his father-in-law, Bill Hood, at East Side Planing Mill learning the lumber business. He went to work at Sherwood Company, a wood and wood product broker. His work there was on the telephone or in an airplane. He worked successfully with Mr. Sherman Oaks until they retired. While working there he became acquainted with David McLemore and Lake Hill Motors where he then worked for eighteen years.

            Early in his military life he was introduced to the game of bowling and found he was skilled in the game. He later became manager of the local Bowling Association and served as president of the Mississippi State Bowling Association for two terms and became a life director and delegate. He was inducted into the Mississippi State Bowlers Hall of Fame in 1989 and later into the National Bowlers Hall of Fame.

            His dedication to his Lord and his church was a strong value in his life. He was a charter member, deacon, former treasurer, and teacher at Pinecrest Baptist Church. His love for his church and family was obvious with the attention he demonstrated toward them with anyone who spoke with him for any amount of time.

            He was greatly loved and will be remembered by his children: Bill Hood (Cheryl Moore) Essary of Bartlett, Tennessee, Bryan Charles (Lavonia Bryant) Essary of Corinth, and Tammy Essary Philamlee of Corinth; a sister, Judy (Ray) Hughes; six grandchildren: Jason (Kim) Essary, Jeremy (Tiffany) Essary, Joshua (Aya) Essary, Alexis (Joey) Carter, April Joy (Trey) Riley, and Tage Joy Philamlee; fifteen great grandchildren: Elizabeth Essary, Will Essary, Rachel Essary, Katelynn Essary, Olivia Essary, Ty Essary, Savannah Essary, Ruth Ann Essary, Ross Alan Essary, Kai Essary, Kaz Essary, Tanner James Carter, Izabela Carter, Rubi Joy Riley, and Greenlee Riley; sister-in-law, Pat (Martin) Essary, brothers-in-law, Wayne Hindman and Bro. James Hardin; special caregivers: Mavis Easley, Jackie Burt, Odessia McDonald, and Vannie Holland, and a host of nieces and nephews.

            Those waiting to welcome him into Heaven were his wife of 70 years, Norma; parents; son-in-law, Bro. Greg Philamlee; brothers: Bobby Gene (Inez) Essary, Martin Ray Essary, and Lewis David Essary; sisters: Joan (Odie) Bullard, Cossette Hardin, and Jo Hindman.

            Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Essary, Jeremy Essary, Joshua Essary, Joey Carter, Trey Riley, Will Essary, Ty Essary, Tanner Carter, Kai Essary, Kaz Essary, and Ross Essary.

            In Lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the Pinecrest Baptist Church Food Pantry and Snack Pack Ministry. Magnolia Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. James Larry Essary.