Richard D. James

A funeral service for Mr. Richard D. James will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Dr. Tom Sikes officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Richard D. James, 95, of Meridian, Mississippi passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

A native of Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Richard was born June 6, 1930. He was married to the late Sarah Katherine Edwards James for 70 years. Richard served as the president of his high school senior class and graduated in 1949 as valedictorian. He attended Mississippi State University and graduated from there in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He was briefly employed by E.I. DuPont Corporation before being called to active duty in 1952 as an officer in the United States Army Infantry. In the Army, Mr. James was assigned to the 5th Regimental Combat Team serving in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

Mr. James had a long career with the Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He began working there as an accountant after being discharged from the military. In his 67 years with the company, he held positions as Treasurer, Secretary, and Director. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Mississippi Council of Coca-Cola Bottlers (1984 to 1988), and President of the National Coca-Cola Bottlers Association Financial Managers Forum (1996-1997).

Mr. and Mrs. James were members of the Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and treasurer for 18 years. They transferred their membership to Central United Methodist Church of Meridian in later life.

Mr. James was very active in the Meridian community throughout his life. He was a member of the Meridian Junior Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and served as President in 1964-1965. He was the chairman of the first Meridian Junior Miss Pageant, a forerunner of the Statewide Junior Miss Program. Richard was recognized in 1982 for outstanding support of this program and again in 1994 for 30 plus years support of the program which is now known as the "Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi."

He was an active Mason and Shriner and also served as Director of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 147 from 1990-1992. Richard was active in the Meridian Manufacturers Association (president 1985). Additionally, he was a founding member of Keep Meridian/Lauderdale County Beautiful Committee (president 1990-1992), past board member of the Meridian Little Theater, the local Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Statewide Mississippi People Against Littering/Keep Mississippi Beautiful Committee.

Mr. James is survived by his sister, Bettye Graham and her husband, Chuck; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Katherine Edwards James; his parents, Harvey and Vera James; and his siblings, Bernice Garrison, Jesse James, and Horice James.

The James family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:15 prior to the funeral service at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing memorial contributions with your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertbarhamffh.com.