James E. White

James was loud and proud. He never met a stranger, always striking up a conversation with everyone around him. He believed in an honest day’s work and lived a life of integrity. You never had to wonder what he was thinking because he would gladly let you know. His straightforward truth telling was sometimes hard to hear but always admirable.

James passed away peacefully in the hospital surrounded by his family on March 24th, 2025 at the age of 86. He was the first born of Emma and James White on January 3rd, 1939. Emma and James would go on to have five more sons and one daughter. He had a lot of responsibilities as the big brother and took that role seriously. He cherished his siblings with an unbreakable bond that remains to this day. Emma was a devout Christian and took her family to church. James was rooted in the gospel and it became the framework of his life. He loved the Lord with all his heart and would tell anyone and everyone about Jesus. As a young boy in church he grew to have a love for gospel music. He knew all there was to know about it and would gladly tell you about too! James was a self taught handyman. He could fix absolutely anything and had every tool ever made with his initials carved on each one! He retired after serving the City of Jackson as a policeman for 25 years.

In 1957, he met Bobbie Nell Herring at the picture show. They became fast friends but couldn’t court because she was too young and her daddy was very strict. Her eleventh grade year, she could finally date, and the love story of a lifetime was born. They married on June 25th, 1961 and had two children, Tammy and Chad. He was a devoted husband, loving Bobbie unconditionally for nearly 64 years. Their love story is so inspiring, a beautiful picture of biblical marriage. They took their vows seriously; having and holding, loving and cherishing, until death did they part. But their love will remain even past death, it is forever! James was a devoted father, never missing anything his kids did. But then came grandkids…. His pride and joy! He absolutely adored them! Hunter was the first. As a boy, he spent a great deal of time at grandma and papaw’s house. He loved all things outdoors and papaw sure loved him. Then baseball started and I bet everyone hearing these words knows how this story goes because James told you! Hunter got really good at baseball really quickly, hitting multiple home runs each game. When the $20 per homer that James had promised his boy got to be more than the cash he had in his pocket, Hunter quickly told papaw that he’d take a check!! If there’s a stronger word than pride, that’s how he felt about Hunter! He would radiate when talking about him. His granddaughters, Avery and Ella, were next and he loved them just as much. Letting them drive the four wheeler way too young, making a mess with toys all over the living room, and crawl up in his lap with a popsicle. He always kept their picture in his wallet so he could show them off. Most recently his first great grandchildren were born and a whole new level of pride and love emerged!

James was preceded in death by his mother, Emma; his father, James; and his brother, J.W.“Buddy” White.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Nell; his daughter, Tammy Renfroe; his son, Chad White (Denise); grandson, Hunter Renfroe (Courtney); granddaughters, Avery and Ella White; great grandchildren, Ali Rivers and Dustin Renfroe; siblings, Nollie White, Buddy White, Wanda Johnston, Chester White, Kevin White and Mitchell White. Leaving a hole that can never be filled, he will be greatly missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

His visitation will be held 9:00 am - 10:30am Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton.  Chapel service will be held 10:30am Wednesday from the Ott and Lee Chapel in Morton with burial to follow at Kalem Community Cemetery.

Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton is honored to serve the White family.