James Austin Myrick

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Bentley Myrick and Ethelyne Odom Myrick; his brother Robert Clayton Myrick; and his daughter Myra Myrick Nelson.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy; his daughters, Linda Carol Myrick and Carla Myrick Nelson; two brothers Joe B. Myrick and Thomas R. Myrick; one sister Mary Louise Gainey; three grandchildren Gretchen Nelson Lee (Ben), Adam W. Nelson (Kristen), and James Wesley Nelson (Deidre); three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Richton, Mississippi, Jim was an outstanding athlete. He played basketball and football all four years for Richton High School. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Alaska. While serving as a sergeant in the Air Force, he was named the Air Force Airman of the Year. Jim was given an early release from the Air Force to attend college.

Jim attended the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He began work that year for the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Agent. He then received his CPA in 1972 and later received his master’s degree in business from Mississippi College in 1974. Jim worked diligently for the IRS and was promoted to Group Manager for the Large Case Division before retiring in 1999 after 40 years of service.

Jim had a passion for running and displayed this with his membership and dedication to the Mississippi Track Club for over 30 years.

Funeral services will be held at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015.

Jim had a positive impact on many people's lives and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Memorials may be made to CARA or the charity of your choice.