James (“Jim”) William Elliott, Jr., a gentleman who found great joy in connecting with others, passed away peacefully at his home in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on November 21, 2024, surrounded by family. Services will be held on Monday, November 25, at Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven. A visitation for family and friends will take place at the church from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary. A private, family graveside service will follow at Riverwood.
Jim’s nearly 94 years of life can best be described as an embodiment of the American Dream. He was a devoted family man who loved God and his country and found success as an entrepreneur and businessman. He had many interests in life, and nothing brought him greater happiness than sharing them with family and friends. Though he has departed this life, his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, serving as a guide for pursuing one's passions and living a fulfilling life.
Jim was born in Jackson, Mississippi on January 21, 1931, to James William Elliott and Marie Aurelia Woods Elliott. He attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1949. Jim attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, president of the Cardinal Club, president of the School of Liberal Arts, and Cadet Colonel of the Air R.O.T.C. After serving two years in the United States Air Force as 1st Lieutenant, legal officer, Jim returned to the University of Mississippi’s law school where he obtained his LLB degree. While in law school he was elected president of his senior law class and worked as an assistant to the Business Manager of Athletics.
Jim married the love of his life, Charlene Rice Elliott, on December 22, 1956. Upon graduation from law school, the couple moved to their lifelong home of Brookhaven, Mississippi where he joined the law firm of Phillips and Carr in 1958. After a brief career in the practice of law, he made a bold entrepreneurial decision, embracing the opportunity offered by Mississippi’s burgeoning oil and gas industry. This leap of faith provided a career, and he found success as an independent oil producer. He was active in oil and gas exploration throughout the southeastern United States for over 50 years. Later in life, he also developed real estate, launched several small businesses, and served on the State Bank & Trust Company Board of Directors. Additionally, Jim served in leadership positions within several civic, professional, political, sport, and wildlife conservation organizations throughout his life. Jim’s passion for his work kept him mentally sharp as he was known to rise early and report to his office where his entrepreneurial drive remained strong well into his nineties.
Jim’s greatest joys in life were found through his family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother George Elliott, wife Charlene and their daughter Hattie Rose Elliott. He is survived by his sister Sara Newton; by daughters Meg Nordberg (Richard) and Amanda Warren (Brooks); by grandchildren Elliott Warren (Molly), Lydia McLaughlin (Glenn), Maley Nordberg, John Nordberg, and Sarah Rice Halbert (Keaton); and by great-grandchildren Anne Warren, Betsy Warren, Ellie James McLaughlin, and Lyla McLaughlin.
Jim and Charlene were active in church affairs. They were members of Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven for much of their adult life. Jim served as a deacon, chairman of the deaconate, Sunday School teacher, president of the Men of the Church and advisor to the Senior High Fellowship. Among his many interests in life was a love for the great outdoors and the game of tennis. An avid sportsman, he received the Ducks Unlimited Award for significant contribution to waterfowl conservation in 1987 and took great pleasure in introducing his enthusiasm for hunting and fishing to his children, grandchildren, and friends. A knowledgeable tennis player, Jim encouraged many local junior players within the Brookhaven area throughout his life and was eager to teach the game to his children and grandchildren.
Jim lived a fulfilling life. He spent his time purposefully and with conviction. He had an infectious personality, and an energetic spirit, and maintained a large group of friends throughout his life. Never one to shy away from a card game, lunch with new and old acquaintances, sharing a “sugar-free” dessert, or rooting on his beloved Ole Miss Rebels, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Braves, he was generous with his time and presence. He delighted in sharing his passions with family and friends, creating special moments and fond memories that will be cherished forever by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Faith Presbyterian Church mission fund or a charity of your choice.