Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Ret. Capt. William Byrd “Bill” James, 83, of Grenada, who died on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. Burial with military honors will follow in Gore Springs Cemetery. The Rev. J. Barry Worrell and Dr. Brent Barker will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time on Monday, Oct. 27, at McKibben and Guinn.
Bill was born on May 19, 1942, in Ft. Benning, Ga., the son of the late Ret. Maj. Byrd Lafayette James and the late Alvildia Conyers James. He was a graduate of John Rundle High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Mississippi, while serving in the Navy ROTC. He also earned his master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Bill honorably served our country as a United States Naval Officer for more than 24 years, retiring as a United States Navy Captain. Bill and his family were stationed all over the United States and his service to our country spanned the entire world during his Naval ship deployments. He also – as a small child – grew up in a military family living overseas in Japan and Germany.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Bill was the plant manager at Krueger International in Winona. Bill was a faithful Christian and enjoyed the fellowship he had with others at Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was an active member and president of the Fortenberry Sunday school class. Bill most enjoyed spending time on the family farm in Gore Springs throughout his lifetime helping raise black angus cattle, growing vegetables and fruits, watching the cotton grow, and fishing.
Bill also loved “Da” Days with his grandchildren, Friday night dinners out with his wife, Emily, and his weekly lunch with his buddies. His favorite song was “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood and his favorite artist was Toby Keith as Bill was a true patriot.
Survivors include, his wife of 60 years, Emily Young James; two daughters, Jennifer James Cheesar (Anthony) of Dallas, Texas, and Beth James Welch (Brad) of Hernando; one son, John Darrell James (Erin) of Oak Park, Ill.; sister, Cheryl Grantham of Hernando and eight grandchildren, Kellyanne Martin, Hannah Cheesar, Emmy Cheesar, Lilly Cheesar, Brody Welch, Cooper James, Fiona James and Phoebe James.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is in charge of arrangements.
