Michael James, age 71, of  Sylvarena, Mississippi, died Saturday, July 14, 2018, at his residence.  He was born Friday, April 11, 1947 in Bay Springs, Mississippi. The family later moved to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

As an adult, Mike traveled extensively for both pleasure and in his career in the electrical power industry.  Upon his retirement in 2014, he returned to the family home in Sylvarena and became an active part of the community, especially Sylvarena Baptist Church and Cross Brand Cowboy Church, of which he was a founding member.  In his younger years, Mike was an aspiring rodeo cowboy, and later his interest turned to riding his Harley Davidson motor cycles on cross country treks.  But Mike's true passion was serving God by helping others.  He will be remembered for his willingness to lend a helping hand, his loyalty to family and friends, and his firmly held conviction, which was inherited from his daddy, that he knew the best way to tackle any task.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Sylverena Baptist Church in Sylvarena, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Sylvarena Baptist Church. Family will receive friends starting at 10:00 AM.  Bro Rusty Stockman will officiate. Colonial Chapel Bay Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (601) 764-2181.

At the request of Mike and the family, everyone is requested to wear casual clothing.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Fred James; mother, Hilma James; brother, Fred C. James; sister in-law, Eileen P. James Taix; brother, Lee E. James.

Survivors include his only sister, Doris Ross (Johnny) of Kentucky, brother-in-law, Lucien Taix of Covington, Louisiana and  sister in-law, Jan Bell James of  Spring, Texas,  Four nephews, two nieces, their spouses and children also survive, as well as a large extended family and numerous friends, and his beloved four-legged companion, Gus.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Sylvarena Baptist Church or Cross Brand Cowboy Church.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbayspringcom