James “Jimmy” Neal Looney, age 85, went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Friday, August 28. We rejoice that he is now with his Saviour. Jimmy was born January 22, 1941, to Hubert and Viola Looney in Memphis, TN.
Jimmy grew up on a dairy farm in the Center Hill community. He met Linda Ruth Lessel at Center Hill Baptist Church whom he later married and enjoyed life with for over 63 years before her passing in March of 2023.
Friends and family know Jimmy was the hardest working man in Mississippi, he shared this often. Truly he was a very disciplined and diligent hard worker who took great care of his family. Jimmy went from milking cows in his youth to owning and driving his own milk truck for many years. He later owned and drove a gravel truck and eventually drove a van for Whispering Woods Hotel. Jimmy was a member of Meadow Brook Baptist in Byhalia, Mississippi.
The grandkids and great-grandkids were initiated into the family by Papaw with each given a nickname and the Boop Bop song that he sang as he bounced them on his knee. We all shared many wonderful experiences with him and are thankful for countless memories to treasure. He loved us and we love and appreciate our Daddy and Papaw.
In addition to his wife Linda, Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Calvin Looney, Howard Looney, and Jean Maxey. Left to cherish his memory are his sister Shirley Spencer and children Ronnie Looney (Brenda), Ricky Looney (Debbie), Nancy (Bill) Lykins. Jimmy was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Jessica (Nathan) White, Tosha (Shawn) Cookemboo, Joshua Lykins, Boomer Looney (Ashley), Ricky (Shelley) Looney, Janaye (Justin) Clark; and 10 great-grandchildren: Silas, Rhett, Abbie Louvena, & Celia White; Bryson, Brantley, & Brooks Looney; Harper Looney; Asher & Wyatt Clark.
A homegoing service for Jimmy will be held at Brantley Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Bill Lykins and Pastor Oscar Geeslin officiating. Friends may visit one hour before the service. Jimmy’s earthly body will be laid to rest at Center Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Meadow Brook Baptist Church, 13862 Red Banks Rd. N, Byhalia, MS 38611.
