James Anthony Lepre

Mr. James Anthony Lepre, a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi, departed life Saturday, November 28, 2009, after hospitalization at Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL, at the age of 87. Mr. Lepre was a practicing Catholic and could be seen daily walking the church and school grounds around Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville saying his rosary. He enjoyed helping people and spent the majority of his life giving shrimp or fish to the Cabrini Nuns when the Convent was in ocean Springs or to friends he knew would enjoy fresh seafood. Jimmy was an outstanding athlete and throughout his life was known for his love of sports and remembered for his team, the yankees, in minor league ball and his many years of playing golf. He served his country in the 8th Naval District out of New Orleans, LA and was a retired fireman for the City of Biloxi. After retiring from the fire department he divided his time as captain of tour boats on the gulf, custodial care for First Federal Savings and Magnolia Federal Savings Institutions, fishing and playing golf. He was a member of Sunkist Country Club, the VFW and Knights of Columbus. Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice R. Lepre, parents, Armond and Beulah Lepre; brothers, Vernon (Dorothy), Vallie (Nola), Carol (Mary) and William Lepre; and one sister, Emma (Willie) Fountain, all of Biloxi. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Sue (Bill) Graham of Grand Bay, AL; two grandchildren, Jason (Andrea) Graham of Grand Bay, Al, and Holly (Tom) Raymond of Winter Garden, FL; three great grandchildren, James Andrew and Kayla Marie Graham and Marley Emma Raymond; and many very special nieces, nephews and friends he loved. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where friends may visit from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Ave. in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.