James "Jim" Mcbrayer

James “Jim” Herbert McBrayer, 94, died Fri. March 23, 2018 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will be held on Mon. March 26, 2018 from 9:30am-10:45am at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with funeral services at 11am in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Brandon Memorial Gardens in Brandon, MS.

Mr. McBrayer was born November 13, 1923 in Winston County, MS to his parents, Herbert N. and Minnie Gully McBrayer. After graduation he moved to Detroit where he worked until he was drafted by the Army. He served with the Military Police, 10th Armored Division in Europe during World War II. He was the recipient of both the Bronze Star and the French Medal of Honor. After the war, Jim met his future bride at the dental office in Louisville where she was employed. In 1947, Jim married the love of his life Elizabeth “Beth” Edwards of Louin, Mississippi. In 1953, the couple moved to Brandon, Mississippi, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. McBrayer was employed by Southern Natural Gas for 39 years and retired in 1985. He was a member of Brandon Presbyterian Church (PCA) where he served as a deacon, elder and clerk of the session. He had a green thumb and loved growing plants and enjoyed sharing his produce from his vegetable garden. What was most important to Jim was his family and he always led by example. He never met a stranger and had a magnetic personality that drew people of all ages in and made them feel at ease. His strong faith in Christ was the most important accomplishment of his life and legacy.

Mr. McBrayer was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, siblings Nell Boydston, Hazel Henry, Lamar McBrayer, Pierce McBrayer, Noel McBrayer and granddaughter, Laurie Anne McBrayer. Survivors include his daughter, Carol Booth and her husband Bob of Brandon, MS; son, James McBrayer and his wife Linda of Clinton, MS; grandchildren, Chris McBrayer and his wife Emy, Kathryn Stewart and her husband Brady, Kim Bruister and her husband Richie, and Bethany Perkins and her husband Randall; great grandchildren, Will McBrayer, Ford Stewart, Cole Bruister, Lilley McBrayer, Anna Claire Bruister, Mary Clayton Stewart, Oliver Perkins, Logan Bruister and Brayer Perkins. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends as well.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Brandon Presbyterian Church at 209 S College St. Brandon, MS 39042 or Hospice Ministries at 450 Town Center Blvd. Ridgeland, MS 39157.