James Neville Busby Jr.

James, known by those close to him as Buzz, was born in March 5, 1934, in Chicago Illinois to Lillie Thomas Busby and James Neville Busby Sr.. The family soon made Mississippi their permanent home.

After Graduating from Meridian High School, Buzz joined the Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. An intelligence officer and German linguist, he considered his service to his country one of his proudest accomplishments.

Upon returning to the United States and completing his service, he married the love of his life, the late Mary Jean Thornton of Senatobia. They relocated to Oxford, Mississippi, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering from The University of Mississippi and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Although the couple relocated post graduation to Jackson, they stayed very involved in all things Ole Miss.

A founding partner of the consulting mechanical engineering firm Walters and Busby, he quickly gained notoriety for his designs. His work will continue to stand in such buildings as the Federal Building, The SIllers Building, University Hospital, Baptist Hospital, St. Dominic’s Hospital, and other known landmarks throughout Jackson and the Southeast.

In addition to receiving National awards of merit for his designs in heating and air conditioning systems, he was a past president of ASHRAE and also served as a past president of the engineering alumni at the University of Mississippi.

Buzz and Mary Jean raised three daughters and there was nothing more important to him than his family. After 40 years of marriage, Mary Jean, known for her competitive spirit, was first to the other side.

He found love again, late in life and married Sarah Mason, establishing a home in Olive Branch, Mississippi where he was an active member in his parish, St. Timothy’s. They enjoyed many years of happiness before she too preceded him in death and he returned to Jackson.

After his retirement, he was blessed with the birth of his four grandchildren who have been his greatest joy. He could be found, on any given day, drawing, playing games or watching Disney movies with his grandchildren, who absolutely adored him. He stayed active in politics, and loved his Ole Miss Rebels until his last days.

He will be remembered for his fiery spirit, his unique sense of humor, and his brilliance. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he had for others.

Buzz is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and the mother of his children, Mary Jean, and his second wife, Sarah.

He is survived by his daughters, Savannah Keifer,Jamie Heidorn, and Rachael Monaghan, as well as his sons in law, Tom Keifer and Kurt Monaghan. He also leaves behind four beautiful grandchildren Jaidan, Olivia, Presley and Addison.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Tuesday September 9th at Wright and Ferguson funeral home in Ridgeland, MS. A memorial service will be held at that St. Andrew’s Cathedral at 10:00am, Wednesday, September 10th with visitation at 9:00am. A graveside prayer service will be held at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, Mississippi at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, September 10th.