James Thompson Grimes

James T. ‘Sleepy’ Grimes

Pearl, Ms.

James T. ‘Sleepy’ Grimes, 97, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 22,2024.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 25, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 1360 W. Government St. Brandon, MS. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at the funeral home, with internment at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, Ms. 

Mr. Grimes is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Gip R. Grimes, his loving wife of 69 years, Billie C. Grimes.

He is survived by his son, Jimmy (Wanda), granddaughter, Michelle Bell, great-grandson, Jon Michael Arnold, great-granddaughter, Makayla Burgess (Lane), great-great grandson Miles Burgess, and several loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Sleepy was born in Pontotoc Ms., before moving to Hattiesburg, Ms. during his teenage years, graduating from Hattiesburg High School. Sleepy proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Navy. Sleepy spent much of his adult life the Jackson, Ms. area. Sleepy retired from BellSouth in 1985 with 37 years of dedicated service. He was a longtime member of Alta Woods Baptist Church in Jackson, Ms., before moving to Brandon, Ms. and became a member of Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon. 

Upon retiring from BellSouth, Sleepy and his wife, Billie loved to travel all over the globe. Sleepy also loved coaching youth baseball, once saying, “that was some of the most fun he had in his life.” 

The family would like to thank the Wisteria Gardens staff for their special care. Also, the family would like to especially thank Melinda Johnson Wells, Nene Simmons and their staff at Best Care 4U Homecare for their compassionate, loving care. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. Tel. # 866-382-4253. Gideons.org

You may share condolences at www.ottandlee.com.