James Roy Presley, the last of the “East Tupelo Presley Boys”, left this world on February 17,2024 at NMMC after a brief illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by members of his family that loved and
adored him.
James Roy was born in East Tupelo, MS on November 1 st , 1946, to Noah and Christine Presley. He was one of six children in his immediate family and had numerous half-brothers and sisters that he loved dearly and talked about them often. His family describes him as having the heart of a servant with a spiritual gift of giving throughout his life. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather that was very proud of his family and loved them dearly. He was an incredible athlete in his younger days, which came in handy when he began coaching little league sports when his sons were young. He loved coaching and teaching, and he was an inspiration to so many young boys throughout those years of doing so. His friends describe him as the kind of man that would be there to help in any way that he could, and his skills seemed to have no limits when it came to fixing, repairing, building, or improving things. In service to his country, he served three years in the Army during the Vietnam Crisis.
James Roy was proceeded in death by his parents, Noah Presley, and Christine; all five of his immediate siblings, Arnold, Larry, Harold Ray, Eva, and Norma, as well as all his half-brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Ray Presley; His sons; Dennis, and his children Mitch (Ashlyn), and Samantha; Kevin (Beth), and their children Taylor (Hayden), Noah, and Brenda; Kirk (Dixie), and their children, Anna-Kirk (Wesley), Kory (Samantha), Russ, Mary Grace, and Maggie; and their grandchildren Harper and Kooper. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Services for James Roy Presley will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Lee Memorial Funeral Home in Verona. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be led by his nephew, Marcus Presley. A graveside ceremony with the family members will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his three sons, Dennis, Kevin, and Kirk; his two-grandsons, Mitchell and Noah, and his nephew Marcus.
