Mr James Gray McLemore

September 5, 1941 - February 19, 2022

James Gray McLemore, Jr., age 80, passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022. James was born in Forest, Mississippi on September 5, 1941 to James Gray McLemore, Sr. and Doris Bradley McLemore. He graduated from Forest High School in Forest, Mississippi, Class of 1959. He was a Political Science major at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi where he was a Millsaps Singer and a member of and Historian for Kappa Alpha Order. James married Brenda Harris on July 26, 1964. They then moved to Oxford, MS where James attended the University of Mississippi School of Law. “McLemore” was a member of the JAG unit of the United States Army and practiced law in the city of Carthage beginning in 1968. During his many years in Carthage, he served as City Attorney, Youth Court Judge, and was a member and President of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. He was also an officer in the Mississippi Municipal Association, was a board member of the Freeny Water Association for many years, and was a member of the Leake County Country Club where he was an avid golfer. James was a member of the Carthage United Methodist Church where he served on various church committees and was president of the Chancel Choir. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Gray McLemore, Sr. and Doris Bradley McLemore. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Harris McLemore of Carthage; his daughter, Lauren McLemore Pearson (Paul) of Brandon, MS; his grandchildren, Palmer Gray Pearson and Sara Reed Pearson of Brandon, MS; and his granddog, Dallas. Pallbearers are Harold Harris, Terry Thomas, Bill Hawkins, Joe Lee Anthony, Brad Ogletree, and Paul Pearson. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmie Bell, John Gregory, and Mack Osborn. Visitation is 10:00 am with services following at 11:00 am on February 22, 2022 at Carthage United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Williams and Rev. Joe Barber officiating. Burial will be at the Carthage Memorial Gardens, North Pearl Street. Wilcox Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family requests memorials to Carthage United Methodist Church, 201 East Franklin Street, Carthage, MS 39051.