James M. Lancaster, Sr.

The Reverend Deacon James (Jim) M. Lancaster, Sr., age 82, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at his home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. 

He was born on November 1, 1940 in Greenville, MS, to Archie and Irma Lancaster.  He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs where he served as deacon and was active in outreach for the needy in Jackson County.  Jim was a graduate of Greenville High School and received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Delta State University and a master’s of science degree in clinical psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He was a Licensed Professional Counselor and practiced in several mental health facilities throughout Mississippi before spending the last ten years of his career as a counselor at the Harrison County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  In 2001, he attended the two-year deacon’s school of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, was ordained in January of 2003 and assigned to serve at St. Johns in Ocean Springs. He was a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and as a Friend of Bill W. for over 34 years. Jim was always drawn to helping others in their time of need in any way he could.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Archie B. Lancaster, III; and best friend/coffee buddy, Dr. Ed Krecker.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Emily Lancaster; his children, James Mansell Lancaster, Jr., Sally Lancaster, Elizabeth (Nathan) LeBlanc, David Pritchett Jr., and Amy (Walter) Chataginer; his grandchildren, David (Becky) Pritchett III, Dylan (Nicole) Richmond, MaryJane LeBlanc, EmilyAnn LeBlanc, Anna Chataginer, Walter Chataginer Jr., and Avery Friedman; great-grandchildren, Alexis Pritchett, David Parker Pritchett, Arthur James Chataginer; sister, Jane (John) Scott; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Lancaster; as well as many nieces and nephews who all will miss him.  He will also be greatly missed by his Morning Coffee Club and fur babies, Katie, Wilson, Grey, and Pretty Baby.

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Saad’s Hospice (especially Gloria and Chaplain John) who helped care for him during his final days.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, in lieu of flowers donations to Saad’s Hospice or the James Lancaster Endowment Fund at St. John’s Episcopal Church would be appreciated.