James "Jimmy" McVay

James “Jimmy” McVay, age 73, died Saturday, February 11, 2012 at NMMC in Tupelo. He was a member of Gershorm Baptist Church and a graduate of Algoma High School. After graduation, he moved to Nissaw, MN, where he lived for 10 years, and obtained his pilot’s license and flew for a power company, checking power lines. When he returned to MS he farmed and owned a construction company. He was a member of the Pontotoc County Airport Board for over 20 years, a member of the ASCS Advisory Board, President of the Algoma Water Association and a member of the Farm Bureau Board of Directors; he was a member of the MS Army National Guard. He was selected Young Farmer of the Year for Pontotoc County and the State of MS in 1970. He enjoyed flying, bird hunting, camping and playing with Bruno his English bulldog.

Services will be at 2 PM Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Rev. Tommy Inmon and Rev. Kevin Purdon officiating; burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years: Jane Jackson McVay of Houlka; one daughter: Dayle Cosper and husband Tony of Houlka; two sons: J.J. McVay and wife Paula of Pontotoc, MS and Ted McVay and wife April of Houlka, MS; one sister: Mary Pope of Tupelo, MS; five grandchildren: Danny Holcomb, Jr., Cambry McVay, Bailey Jack McVay, Raleigh Kate McVay and Shanda McVay; special sons: David Taylor, Terry Taylor, Durrell Taylor and Charlie Gilbert.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Alvin and Odell Brazil McVay; a sister: Barbara Harville; two brothers: Alvin McVay, Jr. and David McVay; one special cousin: Woody Gilbert.

Pallbearers will be: Jerry Martin Brazil, Kevin Brazil, Shawn Brazil, Mike Brazil, Johnny Mac Ray, Cody Harville, Chris Foster and Brian Jamison. Honorary Pallbearers will be the past and present Algoma Water Association Board.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 PM Monday and from 11 to 2 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com