James Ray Nettles, beloved husband, father, grandfather, deacon, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brief illness.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Virginia Paulette Nettles. Jim loved to tell how he met his bride and how he always felt impressed that his Lord provided her for him.
He is also survived by one son Joseph (Laura) of Hamilton, MS; three beautiful daughters Elizabeth Nettles (her special friend Danielle Stampley) of Brandon, MS, Sharon Williams (Heath) of Holly Pond, AL, and Angela Atkinson (Payne) of Tupelo, MS. Jim is also survived by 13 grandchildren Royce, Madeline, Audrey, Camille, and Ava Nettles, Helen, Nettie, Bethel and Amos Williams, and Emma, Clark, Anne Frances and Ashley Atkinson; one brother Jewel Nettles (Catherine) of Lexie, MS; two sisters Mary Jo Dribben (Albert) of Rathdrum, ID and Dorothy Nettles of McComb, MS; and a very special sister-in-law Kate Nettles of Lexie, MS.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father Nelson Julius and Myrtis Marie Nettles; two brothers Wayne and Dort Nettles; and one grandson Hugh Atkinson.
Jim was a member and deacon of Mt. Vernon Primitive Baptist church in Fairview, AL. He was passionate about his savior, Jesus Christ, and his church. When able, he loved to help in leading the song service. The simple scriptural doctrines of salvation by grace alone thrilled his soul.
He was a very intelligent man with a hungry mind. Jim graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with his BA in business, as well as obtaining certifications from LSU School of Banking and the University of OK School of Lending. He was licensed in Real Estate and Insurance. He retired from a job he loved with the MS Public Employment Retirement System.
Arrangements are as follows: Visitation at Mt. Vernon PBC in Fairview, AL Feb. 9, 2021 at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. His pastors Eld Victor Quick and Eld Heath Williams are presiding. There will be no graveside service.
Pallbearers will be Royce Nettles, Clark Atkinson, James Dort Nettles, Alex Nettles, Adam Nettles, Greg Key, and Ethan Flack.
We would like to express gratitude and love to all the members of Union PBC in Ruth, MS and Vidalia Old Line PBC in Vidalia, GA.
Memorials can be made to Mt. Vernon PBC, 1055 County Road 1709, Holly Pond, AL 35083.
Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nettles family.
Obituary compliments of the Nettles family.
