James William Eklund

James married Mildred Love Eklund on December 9, 1942, in Kreole, Mississippi.

James served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 as an Aviation Metalsmith 2nd Class. He later worked as a dedicated Pneumatic Controls Technician with Johnson Controls for 35 years. James was a member of Parkway Baptist Church, Leavell Wood Masonic Lodge, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

James was preceded in death by his father, Carl Raynor Eklund; his mother, Winnie Eklund; his wife, Mildred Love Eklund; his brothers, Carl Eklund, Walter Eklund, Charles Eklund, and Ronnie Eklund; and his sisters, Katie Duck, Juanita Eklund, Patricia Eklund, and Mary Tanner.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Love Eklund Kemp (William) of Raymond, Mississippi; his granddaughter, Alicia Parker (Josh); and his great grandchildren, Peyton Parker, Paisley Parker, and Penelope Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all of his caretakers at The Blake in Flowood and The Blake in Biloxi. Also, a special thank you to Phylis Willis, a treasured caretaker for many years.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Committal Service will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park South, 430 McClure Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.