Funeral services for James L Webb, Jr. 89, of Greenville will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2015 at First Baptist Church. He died Sunday, August 16 at Delta Regional Medical Center. Burial will be in Leland-Stoneville Cemetery.
James L Webb, Jr. was born October 20, 1925 in Isola, MS. James is a graduate of Leland High School, The University of Mississippi, Harvard Graduate School of Banking, and Louisiana State University School of Banking. He graduated from Leland High School in 1943. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served as a Pharmacist Mate during World War II and the Korean War. After his service, James worked at the Bank of Leland until joining Commercial National Bank in Greenville, now Trustmark National Bank. He retired in 1992 after serving as President and Chairman of the Greenville branch of Trustmark National Bank.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Ouida Taylor Webb and James LeRoy Webb, and his brother, John Culpepper Webb. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sylvia Knight Webb, two daughters Melanie K. Webb and Susan Webb Watson (Bob), his son James Taylor Webb (Alicia), brother, Taylor Webb (Sue), sister, Baye Brent (Joe), sister-in-law, Lillian Webb, and his grandchildren, Aubrie and Beth Webb, and Baye and Abby Watson.
James was an active member of First Baptist Church, Greenville and a member of the Steadfast Sunday School Class. He cared greatly about his community and volunteered his service to numerous charitable, civic, and economic organizations. He served as President of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Young Bankers Section of the Mississippi Bankers Association, the East Greenville Kiwanis Club, the Physicians Recruitment Bureau, Hope for Washington County, and the Port City Propeller Club. He was a director for the Mississippi Economic Council, the Washington County Red Cross and the Salvation Army. He served as Treasurer and Chairman of Finance for First Baptist Church of Greenville, Treasurer for the Downtown Improvement Association and the Washington County Cancer Society, Vice-President of the Greenville Golf and Country Club, and on the Executive Committee for the Greenville Community Fund.
James loved the Lord, his family and friends. Affectionately called “unc” by the neighborhood children, he loosened his tie after working all day to play with his three children and their friends. James loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He was a member of Catfish Point Hunting Club, Montgomery Island Hunting Club, and Refuge Hunting Club. He was a talented woodworker who enjoyed finding unique wood which he used when crafting wall paneling, fencing, furniture, and a cabin which he built after retirement.
Two years ago, James wrote that the best day of his life was the day his wife was born. He loved his wife with all his heart, and cherished her care every day of his life.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 407 Main Street, Greenville, MS 38701.