James William Mann, II

James William Mann, II

“A good man leaves behind more than memories; he leaves a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that lives on in every heart he touched.”

James William Mann, II, “Jay”, departed this earthly life and entered the presence of his loving Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 17, 2026, at his home in Vardaman.

Jay, a longtime member of The Church of Christ in Grenada, lived his faith quietly but sincerely in the way he treated others. He was the kind of a person everyone loved, and no one disliked him.

Born on March 7, 1963, in Grenada Jay was the son of James William (Billy) Mann and Jessie Leigh Jones Mann of Duck Hill, Mississippi. Jay’s father spoke that he had a perfect son and was a joy to raise and never gave any trouble and that as parents they were glad to call him their son.

After graduating from Kirk Academy, Jay went on to earn a degree from The University of Mississippi. He began his career in banking and worked for several well-known institutions such as Renasant and the Bank of Okolona. Jay gave 30 plus years of service to banking, retiring in 2017.

Jay met his wife Melinda Smith Mann while playing on the same co-ed softball team. The couple married in Sevierville, Tennessee on December 14, 2013, and spent over 20 incredible years together.

Jay enjoyed baseball from an early age, playing for his father who coached his team for many years. He enjoyed playing softball, lifting weights, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family and friends.

He leaves behind his wife, Melinda Smith Mann of Vardaman; father, James William Mann of Duck Hill; mother, Jessie Jones Mann of Duck Hill; sister, Jan Jimmerson (Ron) of North Fort Myers, FL; sister-in-law, Christy (Jeff) Mann of Gainesville, GA; daughter, Carmen Montroy (J.C.) of Vardaman; daughter, Crystal Tutor (Sam) of Calhoun City; grandchildren, Ava Williams, Conley Williams, Lawson Williams, Bryce Tutor, and Brixlee Tutor. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Jeff (Christy) Mann, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 12:00P.M. until 2:00P.M. prior to the service.

A funeral service honoring Jay’s life will be Tuesday, October 20, 2025, at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Vardaman beginning at 2:00P.M. with Bro. Jeff Harmon officiating. Burial will be In New Liberty Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bill Bean, Steven Cox, Geoff Grimes, Jim Henry, Curry Justice, J.C. Montroy, Jimmy Mooneyham, Terry Stanfield. Russell Verrell, Conley Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Bean, Al Beyersdorft, Tad Hamilton, Rick McKee, Don Patterson, and Roger Smith.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Mann Family in their time of need.