James R. Mann

Funeral services for James R. Mann will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Dr. Will Wall officiating. Service Music will be provided by Rev. David Bishop and Mr. Clint Walker. Interment will follow graveside rites at 2:00 PM at Jessamine Cemetery in Ridgeland, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Mann, 82, of Meridian, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

James was born and lived his whole life in Mississippi, growing up on the beautiful land around Laurel. There he learned his deep love for gardening, hunting, and fishing from his father, a love that sustained and nourished him his whole life. This respect for God’s bounty and his desire to honor God through serving others showed in where he chose to work. His career spanned from working at the lab in Doctor’s Hospital to supporting the health of animals through his work at the Mississippi state lab.

A man of strong faith and unwavering devotion, he centered his life around God and his family. His Christian faith was his guiding light, and everyone that knew him could feel that faith and love shining through him. He shared his devotion to God  in many different facets of his life, notably as a charter founding member and long-time singer in the choir of Highland Colony Baptist Church, on the Parkway in Ridgeland.

An accomplished gardener, James’ tomatoes were renowned among his family, as were his special fried oysters. He loved sharing gifts from his garden, and fish he caught off his pontoon boat. Both these hobbies brought him closer to God, and were a way for him to share God’s love with others.

A man of great intellect and curiosity, James was extremely well-read, with a deep knowledge of history and scripture. He had an extraordinary ability to weave Biblical wisdom into his conversations, and loved discussing his current book, whether it was a mystery, history book, or western.

Above all, James was a devoted husband whose love for his wife, Charlotte, was steadfast and enduring. Their 26 years together were a testament to a partnership build on their commitment to God and to each other.

James adored his daughter, Tara. He made sure her childhood was full of sweet memories, like taking her to the first Star Wars movies and introducing her to her first hero, Princess Leia.  He loved his bonus children and especially all his grandchildren, delighting them with the twinkle in his eyes when he saw them and with his gentle teasing.

James leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and kindness that will always be cherished by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Mr. James is survived by his wife of over 26 years, Charlotte Sills-Mann; children, Tara Mann LaGarde (Owen); bonus children, Steven Sills (Stephanie), Jon Mark Sills (Susan), and Scott Sills (Karen); grandchildren, Maggie Bautista (Ermanuel), Bethany Whetzel (Will), Sarah Sills, Zachary Sills (Candice), Annabella Sills, Benjamin Sills; his great-grandson, Arthur Eliot Bautista; his brother, Daniel Mann (Martha), as well as a  host of extended family members and friends.

Mr. Mann is preceded in death by his parents, James Otto Mann and Dora Mae Gray Mann.

The Mann Family suggests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church Meridian in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Mann Family will receive guests from 9:30 AM until 10:15 AM prior to funeral rites.