James "Jimmy" Rayburn Jr.

James A. Rayburn, Jr. was born in Wiggins, MS on January 28, 1964. Jimmy, or Jimbo as some called him, loved the outdoors from a young age. He learned to fish and did it every day he could. With that passion it led him to Mississippi State where he graduated in Fisheries Biology and worked all of his career in environmental consulting. It was always a dream to work with MS Department of Wildlife and Fisheries which he got to fulfill for several years. He was currently employed at Wood Engineering as Central Gulf Coast Business Development Leader.

He was devoted to his family. His wife, Missy, and daughter, Grace, were his heart. And he loved all of his extended family. Many friendships nurtured him throughout his entire life. He was faithful to the Lord and committed himself to serving the Lord. He was a member at First Baptist Church of Gonzalez. He served as deacon of the congregation at Morrison Heights Baptist Church during their time in Clinton, MS. He spent countless hours investing in youth – from teaching about appreciating the outdoors to discipling them about a relationship with the Lord. He loved going back to his hometown of Wiggins each year on field trips with the Home School students to teach about biology.

He worked tirelessly in efforts to promote wildlife and care for the environment. He volunteered in numerous ways with the MS and LA DWFP. He particularly loved the Extravaganza each year; served on the MS Wildlife Federation, and was recently certified as a volunteer instructor with the Aquatic Instructor Program in Louisiana.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa “Missy” Rayburn; his daughter, Grace “Gracie” Rayburn (fiance Walker Clark); his mother, Gay Stephenson (Ron); sister, Sheila Cumbest (Chris); niece, Elizabeth Byrd (Phillip); nephew, Jesse Cumbest; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and extended family.

The one thing that characterized his life was love - loving the Lord and loving his family. He will be missed greatly and he left us much sooner than any of us wished. Still though, he left a beautiful imprint on people’s lives and we give thanks to God for the time we had with him.

Arrangements will include a visitation time for friends and family on Saturday, December 12, from 9a.m.-11a.m. at First Baptist Church of Gonzales, LA. A worship service will follow at the church with Pastor, Dr. James Law officiating. We are inviting persons to come but there will be limited number allowed in the sanctuary. We are asking you to abide by the social distancing and wear a mask at all times. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 14, 11a.m., at Ten Mile Baptist Church Cemetery, Perkinston, MS. The service will be livestreamed at www.fbcg.net/video. If you would like to give a memorial, we ask that you give a donation to First Baptist Church of Gonzales.