James Thomas Whisenant

James Thomas Whisenant, age 70, of Ocean Springs, MS, entered eternal life in the late evening hours of Friday, January 8, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 30, 1939, in a small home outside of New Albany, MS, to the late H.H. and Rhoda Pannell Whisenant. James was a resident of Jackson County for most of his life, and was a member of the first Jackson County Sheriff's Posse, along with his beloved father. He was known as "the horseman" because of his passion for horses. He had many accomplishments, but none greater than his love for his family. James was a licensed thoroughbred horse trainer, and a member of many organizations, possessing life memberships in most of them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wilburn Houston Whisenant. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49-years, Marjorie Chapuis Whisenant, of Ocean Springs. Four children, Ronda Powell and her husband Robert, also of Ocean Springs; Donna Avila and her husband Tony, of Dallas, TX; Christina Dossett, and her husband Perry, of Ocean Springs; and Derek Whisenant, and his wife Susan, of Vancleave, MS. One sister, Rosemary McNeal, also of Vancleave. Nine grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held from the Chapel of Coastal Funeral Home, Monday afternoon, January 11, 2010, at 2:00pm, with Bro. Sammy Odom, of the Unity Primitive Baptist Church in Moss Point officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at noon, until service time.

Published in Mississippi Press on January 10, 2010