David Lee James

David Lee James, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 31, 2023, surrounded by his family.

From frying chicken for Six Flags Over Georgia to working for the Mississippi Rating Bureau and Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens, & Cannada, David most enjoyed helping people through his work. Collecting numerous Key Manager awards with Allstate Insurance Company as an Agency Manager, he found his calling in serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast through David James Allstate Insurance Agency, where he often said his favorite part of his work was “showing up with the check.”

David was born in Winona, Mississippi to Marie Hill and Edwin Madison James, Jr. He graduated from Yazoo City High School, and later, his beloved Mississippi State University, where he met his lifelong friends. His most treasured tradition was their bi-annual fishing trips to Lake St. John, which they have carried on for over 50 years.  

Blessed with many gifts, David’s greatest skill was storytelling with a serious sense of humor. Through puns, punch lines, and his original “pearls of wisdom,” he brought light and laughter to every encounter.

David is reunited in heaven with his parents and brother, Rev. Edwin “Eddie” James III (Nanci).

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Faye Murphree James; two daughters, Rachel James Sigrest of Pensacola, Florida and Sarah Beth James Hodo (Devin) of Gulfport, Mississippi; and three grandchildren, Lucy Lee Sigrest, Noah Kendrick Hodo, and Wilder Faye Hodo. Survivors also include his brother, Don R. James (Carol); and his nieces / nephews: Angela James, Beth James Roberts (Jeff), Edwin “Ed” James IV (Donna), Don James Jr. (Alison), and Renee James (Sam); as well as his closest four-legged companion, Brees.

A celebration will be held at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th Street, Gulfport, MS, on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and attendees are invited to stay for a luncheon immediately following the service. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the James family.

The family would like to thank David’s compassionate care team, notably Dr. Sidra Khalid and the staff at the Memorial Infusion Clinic. They would also like to recognize Honorary Pallbearers: Don R. James, Rev. Edwin “Eddie” James III (deceased), Bennett Price, Harold Weess, Carl “Dougie” Sanders, William “Bill” Barnett, and Hugh Odom (deceased).

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to one of the following organizations in David’s memory:

• St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church
• American Cancer Society
• The Humane Society

Please leave a note through the Guestbook below letting us know if you’ve made a memorial donation to one of these or another charitable organization.

David holds a special place in many hearts. Thank you to all who gave him a lifetime of joyful memories.