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James Fairell Amason, age 91, of Braxton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born on July 28, 1933, in Smith County, Mississippi.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee. An additional visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Braxton First Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Sharon Cemetery in Magee. Bro. Tim Carlisle will officiate
James became a MS Gem and Mineral Society member shortly after the founding of the club. He served as MGMS president in 1966. Most recently, James served on the Board of Directors from 2008 till 2014. He and his wife Mildred were over the touch and see table at the annual show from 2009-2015.
James was an avid rockhound, spending many hours hunting rock collecting rocks and fossils in creek beds and gravel pits. Several of his “finds” were donated to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. James was also a talented jewelry maker. Notably, a petrified palm broach that he made was presented to First Lady, LadyBird Johnson and is now part of the Smithsonian Museum collection. James was known for his excellent faceting ability.
James loved Jesus and was happy to discuss his Christianity with everyone. He served as deacon and head of deacons at First Baptist Church of Braxton and Sunday School teacher for several years. James also served for many years as the devoted music minister at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Mize. His strong faith, warm voice, and leadership in worship enriched the lives of his church family and community.
Mr. Amason was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Amason; his second wife, Mildred (Gert) Amason; his daughter, Ginger Barnes; his parents, Jessie F. Amason and Virdue Amason; and his son-in-law, Curtis (Gene) Thomas.
He is fondly remembered by his daughters, Mary Amason of Raleigh, Martha Amason (Jeff Fatherree) of Mize, and Theresa Thomas of Florence; his grandchildren, James Fuller (Stephanie) of Raleigh, Hannah McRaney (Brandon) of Magee, Andrew Thomas (Brooke) of Florence, Jacob Thomas, and Phillip Barnes; and his great-grandchildren, James (JR) Fuller, Logan Fuller, Landon McRaney, Stella McRaney, Brody Thomas, Emmalyn Thomas, and Brees Thomas, who lovingly knew him as “Pepaw.”
Pallbearers will be Brandon McRaney, Landon McRaney, Andrew Thomas, Brody Thomas, Jacob Thomas, and Billy Williamson.
An online guestbook is available at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
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