James "Jim" Alton Pierce

Mr. Pierce was the son of Rev. A.B. and Lovie James Pierce. His father’s Southern Baptist Pastorates called the family to multiple locations throughout Mississippi and Arkansas. He graduated from high school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He later met his wife, Bettye Jo Smith when his father became pastor at First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, MS. They were married 70 years.

After graduating from high school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mr. Pierce served in the Air Force. Upon discharge, he attended William Jewel University in Liberty, Missouri, where he was a Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity member. He graduated from Mississippi College in 1952.

Mr. Pierce worked in the traffic department for Illinois Central Railroad in Memphis and Birmingham. In 1957 he moved to Yazoo City, MS to work for Mississippi Chemical Corporation. His career as Director of Transportation for this company lasted until his retirement in 1994.

His occupation naturally led him to become a railroad buff. One morning in Chicago, he found out cars from the Panama Limited were going up for auction. He was an avid fan of this railroad and its history of traveling from Chicago to New Orleans for years. He was the successful bidder of “The Gulfport,” the observation car. He moved the car to land at Bee Lake, where his family and friends enjoyed it for years. Nearby, he also had a wooden caboose.

Due to his transportation career, he was also an avid fan of barges. He and Bettye both had barges named after them, which he thought was a satisfying tribute.

During his years in Yazoo City, he served as President of the Yazoo City Lions Club, President of Central MS Traffic and Transportation Club, Director of the National Industrial Traffic League, Member of the Transportation Committee of the Fertilizer Institute and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He was the State Chairman for three years for National Transportation Week. Mr. Pierce was a Board member of the National Water Resources Association. The US Secretary of Transportation appointed him Regional Director of the National Defense Executive Reserve. He was thanked by President George Bush in 1992 for his many years of service in this position. During those years, Mr. Pierce was also a member and officer of the Mississippi Truckers Association and American Trucking Association. With all these connections he made many lasting friends throughout the country.

Since retirement, he has lived in Jackson, Madison, Destin Florida, and Highlands North Carolina. He lived his final years with Bettye at St. Catherines Village in Madison. He was a member of the Highland Colony Baptist Church. Fishing and Golf were his passions, and retirement allowed him to indulge in these pursuits fully. He especially enjoyed fishing at the family farm and in the Gulf of Mexico. He also had a love for cars, one of his prized possessions was a Model A Ford.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bettye Pierce, his parents, and his sister Natille Pierce Lindsey.

Mr. Pierce is survived by one brother, William Pierce, and his wife Marcy of Prescott, Arizona. Nieces and Nephews of Arkansas, Texas, and Arizona.

He is also survived by two daughters and their husbands Cynthia (Mark) Jordan and Sheri (Mark) Williams. He has seven grandchildren and their spouses, Jon Mark (Lindsay) Jordan of Madison, Meagan (Collin) Fahrenkoph, and Pierce Jordan of Dallas, TX, Anne Woodard and Virginia Richardson of Nashville, TN, Tommy Woodard, and David Woodard of Madison, He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren. He was affectionately known as Bo to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim’s greatest gift was his love for his family and people. He loved unconditionally, always bringing warmth, kindness, and a genuine connection to those around him. His laughter was contagious, and his sense of humor lit up every room he entered. Whether sharing stories, cracking jokes, or simply being himself, Jim had an extraordinary ability to make people feel happy and loved.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude provided in Tuscany and the many friendships he developed at St. Catherine’s Village. Their support made a meaningful difference during his time there.

There will be a graveside service on Monday, January 6 at 11:00 AM at Parkway Cemetery in Kosciusko.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made in his name to Highland Colony Baptist Church or St Catherines Village, 200 Dominican Dr, Madison, MS 39110.