INVERNESS — James Edward Palmore, 81, of Inverness passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford after an extended illness.
James Ed is survived by his two daughters, Traci Beckham (Will) of Inverness, Jennifer Holdeman of Greenville and his grandchildren, Ann Linden Holdeman, Mary Grace Beckham, and William “Beck” Beckham, Jr. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Margaret Gilliland (Carl) of Plano, Texas, Linda Rowland (Johnny) of Inverness, Patricia Johnson of York Spring, Pennsylvania, Pete Palmore (Sally) of Greenwood and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rebecca Walker Palmore, his parents, Lindon Edward and Earline Palmore, his brothers, Robert Palmore and DeWayne Palmore.
Mr. Palmore was born in Leland, Mississippi, on July 13, 1941, to Earline Salter Palmore and L.E. Palmore and was the oldest of seven siblings. He moved to Inverness in 1954. Upon graduation from Belzoni High School, he enlisted in the Marines. During his years in the Marines, he was stationed throughout the United States, as well as Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. After his discharge from the Marines, he returned to Inverness where he began his 45-year career at Columbia Gulf Transmission Company as a compression station operator, instrument repairman, operations technician, and automation technician. After retiring from Columbia Gulf in 2009, he continued to work as an Electrical Inspector and Chief Inspector for Wilcrest Engineering on several Columbia projects throughout the Southeast until 2017.
James Ed was affectionately known as “Pop” by his grandchildren and it was this role which he treasured most. He enjoyed riding quarter horses, running, walking, and lifting weights. He obtained his black belt in Shaolin karate. Mr. Palmore was also an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry in the years preceding his death. He enjoyed a good conversation and keeping up with current events. Most of all, he will be remembered by his family and friends for being full of life, having a wonderful sense of humor, and being quite a prankster.
Pallbearers are Alan Jones, Freddie Jones, Lee Paxton, Charles Smith, Don Sykes, and Avery Yates. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Baird, Sam Cotton, Phillip Holdeman, Fred V. Jones, Gilbert Loper, Saul Nutall, Ed Pratt Trippe, and George White. The funeral service was held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola with Reverend Linda Malone officiating. Burial will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Inverness. A visitation will be held immediately following the burial in the home of Traci and Will Beckham, 503 Fourth Street, Inverness 38753. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with the arrangements. The family would like to express their gratitude to the State Veterans Home and Enhabit Hospice of Oxford for the excellent care provided for Mr. Palmore. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the State Veterans Home, 120 Center Ridge Road, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.
