James Box

Major James Hopkins Box, Jr. (Ret.), 76, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center—Gilmore in Amory following a seven-year battle with cancer. He was born on December 27, 1949, in Hot Springs, AR to James Hopkins Box, Sr. and Louisa Terry Box. Raised in Aberdeen, Jim graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1967. He attended Itawamba Junior College before transferring to Mississippi State University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees educational psychology and history, respectively. While at State, Jim met Kathy Ellen Rouse of Tupelo, and they were married on December 22, 1972. Jim earned a commission as an officer in the United States Army in 1973 through the Mississippi State Army University ROTC program. He served 20 years as an Army Officer (Air Defense Artillery, Transportation Corps, Ordinance Corps) and traveled around the world serving his country. He retired in 1993 and settled back into his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi with his family. Jim lived in his family home for the rest of his life. He drew on passion for woodworking as the owner of Coontail Collectibles, a custom framing business, and he was a dedicated employee of the Coontail Water Association. Jim was a devout member of First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, and he volunteered in numerous civic organizations. Jim loved swimming, yard work, and cooking with family members. One of his favorite pastimes was driving his beloved grandchildren on a golf cart around the family pond, spotting wildlife and sharing family stories along the way.

Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen with Rev. Andy Cotton and his son, Rev. Oliver Box officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery with Military Honors.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Rouse Box; sons, Oliver Box (Kate) and Jonathan Box (Hayley); four grandchildren, Paige, James, Thomas, and Eleanor; two sisters, Terry Box Cummings (Bill) and Joyce Brand (Allen); special cousins, David and Nell Box and Ralph and Jean Thompson; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and James Comer; and numerous other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Pallbearers will be Calvin Robertson, Robert Thompson, Matt Gilmore, Brandon Lackey, Jonathan Box, and Chris Bourland. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Herndon, John Clark, Earl Sturdivant, Dale Pierce, Don Land, The Samaritan Sunday School Class, and The Coontail Water Association Board and Employees.

Visitation will be from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m. at the church.

Condolences may be shared with his family at tisdalelannmemorialfh.com