James Long

Tupelo - James Lee"Jim" Long, 71, died Sunday, February 1, 2009, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after an extended illness. A Tupelo native and lifelong resident, he was born August 13, 1937 to George Osburn and Ethel Gay Alford Long. He graduated in 1955 from Tupelo High School and then attended Itawamba Community College. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Tripoli, North Africa. He worked in sales all of his career and enjoyed traveling. He was a longtime member of East Main Church of Christ where he served as a deacon. He was known for his love for the Lord and his family and will be remembered as one always willing to help someone in need.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Minister Darrell Beard officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Betty Long of Tupelo; three sons, James (Jim)Lee Long, Jr., Larry T. Long and wife, Suzanne, and Tony Long and wife, Julie, all of Saltillo; seven grandchildren, Christie Renfro and husband, Chris, of Dallas, Tex., James Lee Long, III of Woodville, Chessie Tollison of Booneville, Cody and Cole Long of Saltillo, Clayton and Lauren Long of Saltillo; and one great-grandson, Preston Long of Corinth.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Scott Long.

Pallbearers will be The Elders and Deacons of East Main Church of Christ.

Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.