James William Till

James William Till, of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 86. 

Mr. Till was born on September 2, 1938, in Brandon, Mississippi, to Moody Skipper Till and Eva Mae Lightsey Till. He joined the United States Army National Guard in 1954 and then the Air National Guard, from which he was honorably discharged in 1972 as staff sergeant. 

He worked in the construction industry as a general contractor. After retirement, he devoted much of his time serving in the American Legion. While serving, he held many positions and titles, including, Post Adjutant, Post Commander, District 6 Commander, Executive Commander for District 6, Vice Commander for District 6, Central Area Commander, and Commander, American Legion Department of Mississippi. He also served on the Central Area Boys State Representative Committee, Internal Affairs Committee, and Finance Committee. Mr. Till was also a Mason, a member of Pelahatchie Cornerstone Church, and a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. 

Mr. Till is preceded in death by his wife, Libby Swales Till; parents, Moody Skipper and Eva Mae Till; son, Mike Till; and brother, Dwight Till.

He is survived by his sons, Ricky Till, Gary Till, Yancy Till, and Randy Jamison; grandchildren, Mason and Mila Till; sister, Mary Anne Emmett; and several nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home Brandon, Mississippi, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm in the chapel. Burial will follow in Old Pelahatchie Cemetery in Pelahatchie, Mississippi.