James Louis Black

James Louis Black, 89, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at his home in Madison surrounded by his family. He was born on February 21, 1927 in Ethel, MS to Noble Felix and Annie Watts Black. His father was a sharecropper and, as a child, he and his five siblings worked alongside their parents in the cotton fields of Attala County.

Jim held every position on the Jackson Police Department, beginning as a patrolman in 1958 and working through the ranks to Chief of Police, the position from which he retired in 1989. He later served as Chief of Police of the Richland Police Department and worked for the City of Madison under Mayor Mary Butler Hawkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by first wife, Edna Mae Black, and his sister, Myrtis Morris.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Paulette Bates Black of Madison; children, Michael James Black (Coni) of North Charleston, SC, Gary Louis Black, Sr. (Jane) of Brandon, Noble Bates Black of New York, NY and Linda Niemi of Clinton; five grandchildren, Jene’ Black Smith (Michael) of Madison, Gary Louis Black, Jr. (Melissa) of Brandon, Ashley Black Jones (Kevin) of Hernando, Nicole Renee Black and Jessica Lynn Black of Houston, TX; and eight great grandchildren, Sydni Smith and Evans Smith of Madison, Kameryn Batton, Kayleigh Batton, Kendyll Black and Dakota Black of Brandon, and Tanner Jones and Avie Jones of Hernando.

He is also survived by four siblings, William P. Black of Gore Springs, Frances Moore of Brandon, Dorothy Lee of Memphis, TN and Charles Black of Grass Valley, CA.

In 1944, inspired by his big brother, W. P., who had enlisted in the Army, Jim answered his country’s call of duty and enlisted in the Navy when he was only 17 years old. He served as a coxswain and gunner, stationed on the USS Conner (DD-582) in the South Pacific, and was honorably discharged on December 15, 1947.

He was a member of the Wahabi Shrine Motorcorp Heavy Weight Unit for many years. He was also a Mason, rising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 2012 in recognition of 60 years of service.

His grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others lovingly knew him as “Papaw”. His love for his family was unending and he enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with them. He was the epitome of a family man.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland. On Friday, June 17, 2016, there will be remembrances at 10:45 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson. Burial will follow at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland.

Donations may be made in his memory to St. James’ Episcopal Church, 3921 Oakridge Drive, Jackson, MS 39216.