James Jackie Belcher, age 88, of Quitman passed away at home in the presence of immediate family members on August 25, 2023.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Burns Belcher; son, Jay Belcher (Cindy); daughter, Jena Sims; six grandchildren, Katie Knight (Robert), Kasey Norton (Jack), Jace Belcher, Kallie Belcher, Tripp Sims (Ashley), Helen-Peake Sims; and six great grandchildren, Brecklyn Bradshaw, Isaac Knight, Jax Norton, Justus Norton, Oliver Norton and Lottie Norton.
Mr. Belcher was born on January 17, 1935, in Stonewall, MS. His parents were Floyd Ray and Winnie (Williams) Belcher. He had two siblings, Billy Ray Belcher and Inez Smith who preceded him in death and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Belcher attended Quitman High School, worked on the family farm south of Quitman and began his 42 plus year career as a commercial truck driver with Western Auto; he never had an accident, nor did he ever receive a moving violation during his career. Additionally, he was a major Clarke County soybean grower during and after his Western Auto career and later in life a tomato farmer delivering his tomatoes to the Farmers’ Market in Meridian. In latter years, he was an active member of a “gentlemen’s coffee group” in downtown Quitman.
Mr. Belcher was a man with no hobbies; his life was consumed by work which he loved second only to his love for his family and to his home place south of Quitman. He was a Veteran, having served in the Air National Guard in Meridian which included a period of active service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Jackie and Jean were long-time members of First Baptist Church in Quitman.
Wright’s Funeral Home in Quitman is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on August 29, 2023, at Wright’s Funeral Home followed immediately by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman with Rev. Perry Smith officiating.
Pallbearers will be Jace Belcher, Tripp Sims, William Stewart, Jack Norton, John Douglas, Jason Armstrong Jason Denham, Mike Smith, Eric Belcher and Mark Belcher.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Robert Knight. In lieu of flowers charitable donations can be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
