James H. Claunch

Jim was born on August 26, 1928 in Union County, Mississippi to James Oliver and Lera Kelly Claunch.

He was a graduate of Sherman High School in Union County, and earned a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University along with a Master of Social Work at University of Tennessee-Nashville. Jim began his long career in social work as a Child Welfare Worker for the Mississippi Department of Public Welfare and completed his career by retiring with 35 years of service as Program Director for Mississippi Department of Mental Health. While serving as a social worker, Jim was a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers, and American Association of Mental Deficiency.

In 1963, Jim married the love of his life, Betty Lee Crum and together they raised their three sons, Terry Vinson Claunch, Robert Glynn McMillen and William Alvin McMillen. The Claunches made New Albany their home until 1964 when they moved to Memphis, Tennessee. After living in Memphis for two and a half years, they moved to Jackson, Mississippi in 1967 and then to Brandon, Mississippi in 1995, where they resided until 2022 when the decision was made to be cared for by family in Pearl, Mississippi.

During his younger years, Jim served as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army Reserve in Japan for two years during the Korean War. He proudly served his country throughout that time and continued to show his support in many ways including wearing his favorite hat to commemorate his time served during the Korean War.

Jim Claunch will be remembered as a man of strength, courage and immeasurable love. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was always available to provide for any need that may arise for not only his family but others that surrounded him. Jim was a follower of Christ and a deep-rooted member of the church of Christ. He embodied Christian values by always making it a priority to practice love, compassion, honesty and forgiveness throughout his daily life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Oliver and Lera Kelly Claunch, his wife of 60 years, Betty Crum Claunch, and his grandson, James Claunch. He is survived by his sons, Terry Claunch (Melanie) of Pearl, MS, Glynn McMillen (Earlene) of Pearl, MS and Alvin McMillen (Debbie) of Brandon, MS; grandchildren, Chris McMillen (Carrie) of Starkville, MS, Tiffany Clark (David) of Brandon, MS, Amber Oakes of Starkville, MS, and Timothy McMillen (Anna Colby) of Mobile, AL; and great grandchildren, Aaron, Andrew and Alyssa Clark, Paxton and Mallory McMillen, Decker Oakes and Campbell McMillen.

A visitation to honor Jim’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., celebrating the life of a man who touched so many hearts.