James Allison, age 84, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away on June 28, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Church, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Vernon Church Cemetery with military honors. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

James was born on May 29, 1942, in Hughes, Arkansas, to the late Beatrice and Joe Allison. He was a graduate of Hughes High School. James proudly served in the United States Navy for 30 years, with assignments at duty stations around the world, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. Following his retirement from the Navy, he enjoyed owning a lawn care business. James was a longtime member of Mt. Vernon Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ellen Allison, as well as his parents; his brothers, Robert Allison, Johnny Allison, and Charlie Allison; and his sister, Francis Etter.

He is survived by his daughter, Jo Ellen James (Jeff) of Hoover, Alabama; his son, Sam Allison (Erika) of Columbus, Mississippi; and his grandchildren, Sydney James, Parker James (Lillie), Isabella Allison, and Landry Allison. He is also survived by his brothers, Bobby Allison (Diana), Eddie Allison (Denise), Larry Allison (Jennifer), and David Allison (Sun-Cha); his sisters, Barbara Barker (Brad) and Kathleen Thomas; his sisters-in-law, Mary McNeer (Jerry) and Debbie Allison.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.