Funeral services for James Newton Azlin, 95, of Leland were held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Leland. He died Sunday, January 16, 2022 in Collierville, TN. Burial was in the Leland-Stoneville Cemetery under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…” Luke 6:45a
Jim Azlin lived 95 years looking forward to each day which always included a large breakfast topped with Wright’s Thick Cut Hickory Smoked bacon! Growing up in Leland, Mississippi, he enjoyed playing on Deer Creek banks with friends, singing in 4-H ensembles, dancing, and being the big brother to Billy, Lou, and Paul. Jim met his sweetheart, Myrleen Oakes, at Delta State once returning home from World War II. One of his joys during his college years was singing in the Milsaps Singers. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in Pharmacy, he worked side by side with his parents, Paul “Doc” and Hazel Azlin in the family corner drugstore. Azlin’s Pharmacy was known for its lime floats, tennis rackets hanging in the front window, Azlin’s Foot Remedy, and much more. He, like his dad, and other family members enjoyed tennis, which he played into his late 70s. Jim and his late wife, Myrleen, raised two girls, Kris Azlin (Memphis, TN) and Kathy Azlin Lampton (Bill) of Jackson, MS. They were blessed with three grandchildren and four great grandchildren whom they cherished as witnessed by the many pictures throughout the home. As an active member of First Baptist Leland, he enjoyed singing in the choir, serving as a deacon and was always available to help where needed which included the nursery. He often entertained the children by “removing his thumb” but met his match when one of the children ask him to “put it on the table”. In later life, Jim enjoyed playing Rummikub with friends, working on projects in his wood shop and in the yard asking neighbors about the best place to plant his “variety” of flowers! He loved color everywhere! Always enjoying visiting with people, the conversation would flow from discussing antique guns to the TV show Mountain Men.
Jim lived with a melody in his heart guided by his faith and a deep love for family, friends and a desire to help others. He was a true gentleman, a kind soul, an encourager, full of thankfulness, and had a contagious laugh. He saw life as much much more than a glass half full. Jim, “Ah-Daddy” to his grandchildren, would say that his “cup runneth over.”
Memorials may be sent to a children’s charity or church of your choice.