James Earl “Jungle Jim” Curtis, 59, of Iuka, Mississippi, died on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. Jim was longtime member of Margerum Methodist Church in Alabama. He was a true jack of all trades and enjoyed a variety of jobs throughout his life, his favorite being tow truck driving where he often got to bring his family along on calls. Whether he was doing auto body work in the shop or taking apart vehicles and appliances, he constantly stayed busy working with his hands, and he loved being outside, especially riding his four wheeler. Jim was known for his jokester personality and for his love of food. He had tried all the food trucks in the area and always tried to find a new food to try at restaurants. Above all else, though, Jim loved his family and cherished each moment he got to spend with them. Jim is survived by his son, James Christian “Jungle Jr.” Curtis (Skylar); his grandchild, Kaden Curtis; his father, Charles Curtis (Paula); his siblings, Keith Curtis (Carla), Babs Adams (Tim), Tara Yarber (Jason), and Laura Fowler (Kerry); his good friends, Wade and Amanda Marlar and family; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebekah Louise Whitaker Curtis; his mother, Martha Curtis; and his grandparents, Earl and Virginia Bonds and Roy and Laverne Curtis. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Pallbearers include Jason Yarber, Kerry Fowler, Tim Adams, Hunter Walker, Seth Curtis, and Logan Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers include Wade Marlar and Charles Mitchell. Interment will be in Margerum Methodist Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
