James Campbell Dye, Jr. (November 3rd, 1946 – March 24th, 2025)
James Campbell Dye, Jr. “Jimmy” was born on November 3rd, 1946 in Pascagoula, MS to parents Doris Virginia and James Campbell Dye, Sr.
Jimmy grew up in Pascagoula and relished telling stories of a treasured youth enjoyed with friends on Cherubusco Street, time spent with family in Kentucky, and dining at such famed establishments as Edd’s Drive-In. He graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1964 and from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Jackson County Campus) in 1967. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1966 and served until 1972. He received a B.S. in Secondary Education concentrating in Social Studies, Health and Physical Education from the University of South Alabama in 1971. He later received a M.S. in Secondary Education from Mississippi State University in 1977.
Jimmy began his teaching career in Ocean Springs in the fall of 1971. In the spring of 1972, he became engaged to his wife of nearly 53 years, Pat, and they married in July of 1972. In the following 3 months, they lost both of their fathers. Needing a change, they moved to Lee County where he became Assistant Park Ranger of Tombigbee State Park. Wanting to return to the classroom, they moved to Vicksburg where they taught in the Vicksburg City Schools for 2 years. In that time, there they were blessed with their son Casey. Deciding they missed the Coast, they returned to Ocean Springs in the fall of 1976. In 1978, they were blessed with their daughter Jenny.
Upon their return, Jimmy went back to teaching at Ocean Springs Junior High where he also coached Girls’ Basketball bringing the first Conference Championship to OSJH in 1981. In 1982, Jimmy moved to the High School to teach Social Studies and coach High School Girls’ Basketball. In 1986, he moved to coaching the High School Boys’ Basketball team and continued until he had the privilege of coaching his son Casey his senior year leading them to the South State playoffs.
From 1985 to 1988, Jimmy was an Adjunct Instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. During numerous summers, he taught Driver’s Education, worked at the Mississippi Employment Service, and coached AAU basketball.
After 14 years of coaching with Pat by his side keeping stats and having coached his son, he retired from coaching so that he could enjoy just being a daddy and watch his daughter play and participate in her many activities. He continued to teach until May of 2000. Immediately, they moved to Starkville, MS where he worked for 2 years as a security guard at Old Waverly and also part time as a rural mail carrier. Then for 2 more years, he worked as Court Records Abstractor for Lexis/Nexis.
When completely retired, he enjoyed his love of fishing, and treasured the role of Pop to his grandkids, great-nephews, and neighbor’s kids from across the pond. As much as he enjoyed going to and watching the grandkids’ games, nothing thrilled him more than when they came and asked, “Pop, can we go to the pond to fish.” The many years Jimmy spent on the waters of Mamaw’s Pond and Davis Bayou with his children proved him to be quite the fishing guide with both trolling motor and boat paddle for his grandkids in later years.
Jimmy passed peacefully at home on Monday, March 24th, 2025 with his wife by his side, along with the nurses who had cared for him so intently, and a much treasured view of his beloved pond outside his window.
Jimmy leaves behind his wife of nearly 53 years, Pat (Hearn), Son Casey (Carmon) Dye, daughter Jenny (Corey) Lambert, grandchildren Campbell Dye, Cameron Alfed, Georgia Alfed, Cella Kay Dye, London Lambert, Corey Lambert, Jr., Torey Lambert, and a host of beloved cousins, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, James Campbell Dye, Sr., his mother, Doris Virginia Dye, and sister, Monica Cleaveland.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, MS, with the service immediately following. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Wesley Foundation at Mississippi State University, P.O. Box MY, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or the church or congregation of your choice.
