James Raymond Dewease

James Raymond Dewease, known to loved ones as "Pa" and “JR” went home to be with Jesus on November 14, 2017, at the age of 92 years.

Born in Noxapater, Mississippi, in 1925, he served in the Merchant Marines and then the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  After returning home, he married Draxie Ferguson and the two made their home in Jackson, Mississippi where he worked for Trailways as a bus driver and National Life Insurance as a sales associate. He joined Mutual of New York Life insurance as a sales associate and remained with the company for more than twenty years. While at Mutual of New York he earned many awards and honors including the Million Dollar Round Table, MONY’s Commission Leader, MONY’s Paid Production Leader, and was a member of the Top Fifty Annual Sales Club. He also served as the Southern Region’s Honor Club Vice President.

His life-long hobby of running bird dogs and horses included serving as the Mississippi Field Trial Association President and traveling every summer to Elbow, Saskatchewan in Canada where he made his second home. He had a passion for telling stories, making friends, the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and being a jokester; but most importantly his family and Jesus Christ his Savior.  

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Dewease Stone of Clinton, grandson Reid Hatcher Stone of Charleston, SC, granddaughter Anna Dewease Stone Neth of Nashville (Stephen), and one great-grandchild Jackson Oliver Seabrook Stone.

Preceding him in death is his beloved wife Draxie Ferguson Dewease, his parents Lester Odell and Katie Lee Dewease, his younger brother Lester “Otis” Dewease, and his younger sister Ruby Katherine Dewease Parker.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Neth, Reid Stone, David Boyd, Mathew Boyd, Phillip Boyd, and Andrew Boyd. Aiden Boyd will serve as an honorary pallbearer. 

Visitation will be held Friday, November 17th from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm at Breeland Funeral Home in Canton, MS. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 am at the Liberty Baptist Church Graveyard in Noxapater, MS.

Flowers in his name can be sent to Breeland Funeral Home (3304 S Liberty Street, Canton MS 39046.) 

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