Although born in O’Donnell TX January 3, 1943, Jim considered Big Spring TX home. This is where he grew up and made lifelong friends.
Shortly after graduating college in Texas, he began his career in insurance claims and joined Hartford Insurance Company. During his years with Hartford, Jim moved frequently, living in Lubbock, Midland, Longview TX, Little Rock AR, Los Angeles CA, and Jackson MS where he met and married Sylvia in 1979.
Upon retiring from Hartford in April 1993 as State Claim Manager, he joined MS Municipal Service Company as Vice President and Manager of Claims. He retired from MMSC December 2006.
Jim’s favorite pastime was fishing, a hobby begun as a small child while fishing with his Grandfather at his fishing camp. He enjoyed golf, cooking and travel. He, Sylvia and Pam traveled to many areas of the United States.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Sylvia Chancellor Napper, son Rylan Mark Patrick (Toni), daughter Pamela E. Gunter (Catrina Wilson), granddaughters Sarah Patrick and Mindy Spence Patrick (Jeffrey), sister Patsy Soucy and many other loved ones in the Napper, Soucy, Chancellor and Gray families. He was predeceased by mother and father Dorothy Wright Napper and Wiley James Napper.
Memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland MS on Saturday, September 22 at 11:00. Visitation will be held at the same location on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00 – 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to Alzheimer’s Association-Mississippi Chapter, 207 West Jackson St., Ridgeland MS 39157,or Animal Rescue Fund of MS, 395 W. Mayes St., Jackson MS 39213.
