Dr. James Stanley Long, 85, of Booneville, MS, passed away peacefully at his home on February 23, 2024, with his family by his side. He was devoted to his family and friends and was lovingly known around the community as “Pop.” James Stanley was born on August 18, 1938, to Clifford Hugh Long and Ortha Pounds Long. He was a graduate of Booneville High School in 1956 where he was a star football player. In 2000, the Banner Independent named him to the All-Century Team at BHS as a running back. He did undergraduate work at NEMJC and Mississippi State University and graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Greenhaw, in 1958. Upon graduation from dental school he enlisted in the United States Army where he was commissioned as an officer, eventually obtaining the rank of Captain in the Army Dental Corp. After his service in the Army, he and Carolyn moved back to Booneville, where he opened a dental practice. Later he was tasked with establishing the first dental hygiene program at NEMJC. He retired from dentistry but continued to work as a real estate appraiser with Robert Davis Realty. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and greeter. Until late in life, he enjoyed golfing with a special group of friends. He loved supporting Booneville High School and Mississippi State athletics, taking his grandkids to the library, and traveling with his family. He and Carolyn visited all 50 states and multiple foreign countries, but he always celebrated returning home when he crossed the Prentiss county line. He also served on several dental missions to Honduras and Guatemala.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carolyn Greenhaw Long of Booneville; son, Cliff Long (Gerry) of Starkville; daughters, Julie Cothren (Jay) of Collierville, TN, and Susan Cristo (Mike) of Booneville; grandchildren, Megan Cristo Chapman (Phillip), Drew Cristo (Carmen), Lindsay Long, Dr. James Long, Corbin Cothren (Jenna Claire), Abby Long, and Aidan Cothren; great-grandchildren, Teddie Chapman, Tucker Chapman, Ellis Cristo, Ames Cristo, and Kieran Cristo; brothers-in-law Steve Greenhaw (Cynthia) of Amory and Dr. David Greenhaw (Beverly) of Booneville.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at McMillan Funeral Home with his son-in-law Bro. Jay Cothren and Dr. Lynn Jones officiating. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Booneville Cemetery led by Bro. Jason Reed. Pallbearers will be Drew Cristo, Philip Chapman, Dr. James Long, Corbin Cothren, Aidan Cothren, Blake Greenhaw, Bart Greenhaw, and Dr. Brad Greenhaw. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday from 11:30AM until the service hour at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend a special word of gratitude to his hospice team from North Mississippi Medical Center who assisted the family in carrying out his wish of being able to spend the end of his life in comfort at his home surrounded by his friends and family.
