James Carl Dale

Jimmy was born on September 17, 1930, being delivered by a midwife in his grandparents’ farmhouse outside the tiny village of Goss, north of Columbia, Mississippi. It was during the Great Depression and like so many others who were thrown into poverty, his parents worked at whatever jobs they could find, moving around Southern Mississippi as needed. They raised as much of their own food as they could to feed their family. This meant that from a very young age, Jimmy was instilled with a strong character building foundation. He learned about discipline, cooperation, selfless hard work, respect and the strength residing within humility. It was a challenging start to his life, but Jimmy was not a complainer; he was a survivor. In his early school years, he also worked long hours on the family farm during the summers. He hunted and fished and enjoyed the activities of a young boy in the country.

Many years passed and Jimmy met Charlotte in Columbia. They became high school sweethearts with Jimmy graduating a few years ahead of Charlotte. He enrolled at Mississippi Southern College, studying geology for two years before joining the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed at multiple locations in Texas where he was trained as an aircraft mechanic, eventually obtaining the rank of Senior Airman. He had many tales of exciting times flying on B-25 and B-29 bombers between various Air Force bases in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Upon returning to Columbia after his Air Force service, Jimmy married Charlotte on November 27, 1953. They moved to Oxford, where he attended the University of Mississippi on a G.I. Bill, continuing his studies of geology. In 1955, Charlotte gave birth to their first son Mark. Two years later, Jimmy took a job working for the family business in Greenville where they moved in 1957 and lived for 10 years. During that time Charlotte gave birth to sons Michael and Craig. The family then moved to Jackson in 1967 where Jimmy became manager for the family business which produced sandwiches for stores, vending machines, concessions at baseball fields and catering. It was time for some deep roots, and Jackson has been home ever since.

Jimmy had a variety of interests. Early years of football and basketball gave way to later years of playing golf. He always enjoyed things of a mechanical nature and was good with his hands. He had a knack to repair just about anything. He enjoyed woodworking and designed and fabricated fine wooden plates, bowls, pens, and ornaments. He loved gardening, was an avid reader and enjoyed helping his sons with projects. He was a storyteller and delighted us all with interesting tales from the past.

In retirement, Charlotte and Jimmy purchased a motorhome and traveled far and wide. Their favorite camping trips were with their close friends in Mississippi and the surrounding area.

Jimmy was a true Southern Gentleman. The values learned during his early years of hardship served him well throughout his life. He lived his life with humility, generosity and respect for others, and was always ready to lend a hand.

He always put his family first and was an avid supporter of his son’s sporting events, hobbies and Pinewood Derby races. He sacrificed a lot to make sure that his sons had a good education and the opportunity to go to college. He never discouraged them from trying to do what they wanted to do (as long as it was legal).

As members of Woodland Hills Baptist church and, later, Grace Baptist Church, their faith was always an important part of their lives. Jimmy and Charlotte made trips to both Mexico and Ecuador with church groups to help build homes for those in need. Their church congregation was indeed their second family, and gave Dad vital spiritual support and strength through his last days.

He was a remarkable man. He was the salt of the Earth. He dearly loved his wife, sons, and extended family. His sense of humor was well known to anyone that he was acquainted with, even people that he had never met who cared for him at UMMC Hospital and Wisteria Gardens, where he spent the last few weeks of his life. The family has gratitude for all involved and their compassionate care.

Jimmy engaged with us and made us laugh and smile all the way to the end. We will all miss you dearly.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Charlotte, are his son Mark and wife Elaine Dale, his son Michael’s wife Chris Clough and step-grandson Raleigh Thornhill, his son Craig and life partner Christi Greenlee, his grandchildren Kerby Dale, Hannah (Dale)Barrington and husband Royce Barrington, Carole Dale (mother of Hannah and Kerby), his sister Geraldine Carley, as well as three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his son Michael.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Grace Baptist Church

Attn: Missionary Fund

175 Stonecastle Drive

Brandon, MS 39047

Or online at

https://www.graceatcastlewoods.org/donate