Michael Joe James

Michael Joe James made a glorious transition on April 1, 2021. His soul departed his body and is now at home with his Father in Heaven. The Father said “Son (Jesus) go get my child. It is with great joy that I can say Mike and I were so ready for him to enter the gates of heaven and be ushered into his mansion, prepared for him by God himself. Mike began his new journey from the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Mike was born to Earl and Otillion James on Feb. 2, 1952, in the Huffman Community near Blytheville. He is the youngest of nine siblings, Robert James, Jean James Moore (Guy), Gerald James (Mary), William (Bill) James (Tudy), Peggy James Wilcom (Jake), Maureen Peterson, Jerry James (Denise), and Diane James. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Odessa James. Mike worked for the FBI in Washington D.C. for two years before being drafted into the United States Army where he served for three years as a military policeman. He worked for 30 years for the United States Postal Service, retiring in May 2007.He married Sandra Brigance on Sept. 6, 1981 celebrating almost 40 years of marriage. Mike’s greatest love other than his relationship with Jesus Christ and his wife Sandra, were baseball, muscle cars, fishing and music. His favorite contemporary Christian singer was Steve Green. Mike in his healthier years often sang some of Steve’s songs in church, one being “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Mike leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many great friends, two of whom are Alan Lovelace and Mike Sypult. He also leaves his companion, a kitty cat named “Mama Kitty.” His last words on this earth were “I love you honey” and “Thank You Jesus.” What a testimony.

A private graveside service was held in Elmwood Cemetery for the family only. A celebration of Mike’s life will be Sunday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Silvey officiating. There will be no visitation. Cobb Funeral Home is in charge of all services. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.