James Arender

James Edward Arender, lovingly known to his friends and family as “Jay” was born April 24, 1936 in Polkville, Mississippi and entered his heavenly home on January 26, 2022. Jay was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Claudia Mae McIntosh Arender, parents Robert Sampson Arender and Ora Mae Hughes Arender, and brother Cleon Arender.

Proudly wearing his “I Love Jesus” necktie, Jay embodied determination and a gentle ruggedness throughout his life. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was a devoted father and proud of his children Kay, Jeff, and Amy.  He also loved being a Papaw to his grandchildren.  He was quick to volunteer to help his family and friends and generous with his time and many talents. He was a member of Crossgates United Methodist Church and also enjoyed attending his childhood church Polkville First Baptist Church. Throughout the years, he served faithfully on many committees, mission projects and mission trips as well as various community and civic organizations. Jay served three terms as an alderman for the City of Polkville, Mississippi. Jay loved Polkville and Polkville loved Jay.

Jay attended Polkville High School and graduated with the class of 1955. After High School, he moved to Jackson, Mississippi and began working with Noland Company. Jay took a leave of absence from Noland Company in 1960 to serve his country in the United States Army as a medic. After his service, he returned home in 1962 to work as an outside plumbing salesman for Noland Company. From 1972-1978 he was promoted to the Noland Company branch manager in Memphis, Tennessee and in 1978, he was promoted to a regional manager in Roanoke, Virginia.  After a twenty-five year career, Jay left Noland Company and returned home to Brandon, Mississippi to be near his family and friends.

With a leap of faith Jay founded Arender Plumbing Supply in Jackson, MS in 1983. Starting from scratch, he built a wholesale plumbing supply company from the ground up and was honored to work alongside Claudia and his family. In 1996, Jay officially retired and passed the reins to his son, Jeff.  Even in his retirement, Jay was still involved in the business’ ongoing success. Jay was proud of his family as they continued his legacy. Arender Plumbing Supply is still flourishing almost forty years later because of Jay’s hard work and dedication.

In 2000, Jay and Claudia established The Music Barn in Polkville. The Music Barn hosted numerous music festivals, camp & jams, potluck dinners and family reunions. Jay was a founding member of the Bluegrass and Gospel Band, Polkville City Limits. He enjoyed hosting festivals and traveling in their motorhome across the country to various music festivals to play with the band. During these travels, they made many lifelong friends.

Jay is survived by his children Kay (Mike) Smith, Jeff (Kerry) Arender, Amy (Justin) Hogue and honorary daughter Claire (Chris) Papizan; grandchildren Shayna Smith, Chelsey Smith, Kimberly Smith, Tanner Smith, John Austin (Julie) Arender, Jane Claire Arender, Logan Hogue, Kylie Hogue, Macy Kate Hogue, and honorary grandsons Jackson Papizan and Palmer Papizan; sisters Audrey Rhinewalt and Mary Lou (John) Adair as well as sisters-in-law Christine Royals, Doris (Charlie) Warren, Patricia Sampley, and Glenda Dennis as well as many caring friends.

Our family is forever grateful for the time God shared Jay with us and the outpouring of love, support and prayers. A special thank you to his amazing medical team and staff of the ICU at St. Dominic’s Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossgates United Methodist Church mission fund or Polkville First Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 28, 2022 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Ott & Lee Funeral home in Brandon, Mississippi. Funeral services are 2:00pm Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Crossgates United Methodist Church in Brandon, Mississippi. A graveside service will follow at Polkville First Baptist Church Cemetery in Polkville, Mississippi.

Pallbearers: John Austin Arender, Kevin Dutiel, Justin Hogue, Logan Hogue, Mike Smith, Tanner Smith, Chris Papizan, Jackson Papizan, and Charles Warren.

Honorary pallbearers: Polkville Cafe Coffee Club and members of Polkville City Limits Band.