James H. Strickland died Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Greenwood Leflore Hospital in Greenwood. He was 66.
A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, he attended Carr Junior and Warren Central Schools. He worked as a mechanic with Miss-Lou Equipment Co. for over 20 years, and later for the Vicksburg National Military Park until his retirement. He served in the Vietnam War, where he received several medals, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. James was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church.
Besides being a loving and caring husband and father, he loved to hunt, visit with friends and was proud to be called “Papaw.” He loved his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Strickland, and his mother, Virginia Parkhurst; two brothers, W.F. Strickland and Pete G. Strickland; and his sister, Jo Ann Hearn.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Pettway Strickland of Vicksburg; his two sons, James Michael (Stacy) Strickland and Jeremy Craig (Dawn) Strickland, all of Vicksburg; his sister-in-law, Lurlean Strickland of Vicksburg; his half-brother, Clarence LaGrande of Louisiana; a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Victor Simmons of Vicksburg; his four grandchildren, Caitlin Strickland, Blake Strickland, J.C. Strickland and McKenzie Strickland and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, in the chapel of Glenwood Funeral Home and interment will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of the service at the funeral home.