COLUMBUS — Walter Keirn James Jr., 93, died Jan. 2026, at Aurora Health and Rehabilitation. 

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory of Columbus is in charge of arrangements. 

Mr. James was born Sept. 2, 1932, in Clarksdale, to the late Walter Keirn and Martha Nelson James. He was formerly employed at the YMCA. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Lois Burns, Martha James and Nelson James. 

He is survived by his sisters, Nellie McPherson of Columbus, Maude McWhorter of Biloxi and Nancy Pruett of Madison. 

Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 403 Hospital Road, Starkville, MS 39759.