James J. Otts, 87, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. He was born in Sherman, MS on April 9, 1937, to Stella B. O’Mary Otts. He grew up in Pontotoc County and married Era M. Edington Randolph on March 11, 1966. They finally settled in Ecru, MS in 1985. He was a diesel engine mechanic and a truck driver for many, many years before he retired on his 80th birthday from driving for the U.S. Postal Service. James J. Otts proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1968. He loved singing gospel songs for his family and church. And he loved talking about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was always busy in his shop or the yard and would spend his evenings watching western movies. And he loved, loved, loved his whole family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Stella B. Otts, his brothers, John G. Otts, Shields Otts, Rufus Gray, and Billy Otts, sister, Emogene Otts, six half brothers, and three half sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Era Otts of Ecru, MS, his children, Sandra (Otts) Simmons of Ecru, MS, James Randolph (Carol) of Endville, MS, Billy Randolph of Shannon, MS, Thomas Randolph of Longview, MS, his grandchildren, Karmen Otts of Ecru, MS, Nicolas Simmons of Tupelo, Jennifer Braden of Pontotoc, MS, Christie McCombs of Alabama, Steven Randolph (Jo) of Ingomar, MS, Christina Hatchett of Pontotoc, MS, Misty Miller (Fred) of Pontotoc, MS, nineteen great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Otts, Nicolas Simmons, Kaiden Johnson, James Randolph, Billy Randolph, and Fred Miller.
Services will be at 2PM Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Horton Memorial Baptist Church (2130 Hwy 346, Pontotoc, MS) officiated by Pastor Jason Watts. Visitation will be Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 12pm-4pm and Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 1pm until service time at Horton Memorial Baptist Church in Pontotoc, MS. Burial will follow in Cairo Baptist Church Cemetery.
Any expressions of sympathy may be sent to Horton Memorial Baptist Church.
