A Funeral Mass for Jimmy Carroll Word, 82, of Greenville will be held in his honor at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. where friends and family can come together to celebrate and pay tribute to Jimmy’s remarkable life. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass. Burial will follow at Greenville Cemetery. He passed away on March 6, 2025, in Greenville, Mississippi.
Born on July 29, 1942, in Tallulah, Louisiana, to John and Leona Word, Jimmy was raised in Empire, Arkansas, by his grandfather, Joe Dodson. Alongside his two brothers, Harvey and John, and a host of cousins, he learned the life lessons that shaped him into the man we all loved and respected.
Jimmy led a life marked by dedication to his family, hard work, Christian faith, and a love for the outdoors. He proudly served as a medic in the Army before embarking on a long and successful career in Greenville, MS. A familiar face at Strazi’s Drive Inn for years, Jimmy gained the business knowledge and people skills that later helped him establish and successfully run Word Construction, LLC for nearly 35 years. He left a lasting impact throughout the Delta with his work and craftsmanship.
Beyond his professional career, Jimmy was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished time spent in nature, especially with his children and grandchildren at Refuge Land Company, his home away from home. He was also deeply devoted to his family and affectionately known as “Poppy” to everyone he greeted in his home. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he was known for his kindness and steadfast support of those he loved. Jimmy’s devotion extended beyond his family. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Catholic Church, generously sharing his time and talents in service to his faith and community.
Jimmy and his beloved wife, Patricia, shared 55 remarkable years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories until her passing in 2024. Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Word, and his brother Harvey Word. He is survived by his children: Beverly Hembree, Jim Word (Stephanie), and Greg Word (Seth); as well as his grandchildren: Marie Filbey, Chad Filbey, Cooper Word, Mia Morgan Word, and Cady Hembree. He is also survived by his brother John Word.
Jimmy’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Extra Table (extratable.org).