James Kenneth Mangrum, Sr.

Mr. James Kenneth Mangrum, Sr., 83, of Ethel, Mississippi, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 14, 2023, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at Jordan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Kenny Gentry will officiate.

Mr. Mangrum was born June 8, 1939, in Zama, Mississippi, to the late James Irvin Mangrum and the late Carrie Gryner Mangrum. He graduated from Zama High School in 1957 and, afterward, received his B.S. Degree in Education from Mississippi State University. He was a lifelong member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served as deacon for most of his adult life. He was a retired school teacher who taught history and driver’s education and mentored to students for over 39 years at Carthage Public School, East Holmes Academy, McAdams High School and Ethel High School. He also served for eight years as Justice Court Judge.

For those he met, he left a lasting impression of being a dedicated servant to his Lord. He strived to be faithful to his Lord, his family, and his church. His words and lifestyle demonstrated that faithfulness through a loving, gentle, and humble spirit. As an ambassador of Christ, he showed compassion for the lost by testifying to the truth that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Mr. Mangrum had a zest for life and a strong work ethic. He often punctuated his desire for getting something done by saying “Let’s get this show on the road.” He enjoyed many activities such as hunting, fishing, and working outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends who he loved dearly.

Mr. Mangrum is survived by the “love of his life” and wife of 63 years, Mildred “Millie” Mangrum of Ethel, Mississippi; sons, James Kenneth Mangrum, Jr., of Southaven, Mississippi, and Jeffrey (Pamela Kay) Mangrum of Philadelphia, Mississippi; daughter, Angela Mangrum Foster of Asheville, North Carolina; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Irvin Mangrum, and mother, Carrie Gryner Mangrum; sisters, Mildred Leo Curtis and Johnnie Carolyn Dallas; and brothers, both of whom died in infancy, Irvin Galloway Mangrum and James Allen Mangrum.

Serving as pallbearers are Randy Keith Curtis, Mark Curtis, Troy Goss, Randy Goss, Matthew Mangrum, and Benjamin Foster.

Memorials may be sent to Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Regina Parks, 9454 Highway 19 South Kosciusko, Mississippi 39090.

For online condolences, visit www.jordanfuneralhome.com.