James Michael Bartlett, Sr.

James Michael Bartlett passed away peacefully at his home on July 18, 2026. Surrounded by his loving family, he left this world and entered into his eternal life with his Lord and Savior. 

Mike was born in Winona, Mississippi on August 15, 1948 to Archie Bartlett and Genelle Bartlett Mitchell. He spent his childhood in Winona with his brother and sister and lived in Montgomery County for many years after he graduated school.

Mike was a strong, hard working man. He farmed in Montgomery County for many years and served as a Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff before beginning his law enforcement career for the state. Mike worked for the Motor Vehicle Comptroller’s Office in its weight enforcement division and then finished his career as a Special Agent for the Mississippi State Tax Commission. He gave over 35 years of service to the State of Mississippi, where he met his wife Meg, and was very proud of his career in law enforcement. Mike formed lifetime bonds with many of his coworkers who became his brothers. Mike also worked part time for the Mississippi Fair Commission for over 30 years. He especially loved his time working events at the fairgrounds and made many lifetime friends during these years. The sight of him zooming around the fairgrounds on his golf cart was a fixture for many years.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman and a skilled wood worker. Hunting and fishing with his friends and family brought him immeasurable joy. In recent years, he enjoyed trips to the Venice, Louisiana area each spring and fall to fish with his son, grandsons and special friends. Mike crafted many pieces of furniture over the years that have now become cherished heirlooms.

Mike was at his best as a husband, father, Pawpaw, and friend. He loved his family and friends more than anything else. He was a man who gladly gave of his time and loved doing for those he loved. There was no greater declaration of love from Mike than for him to show up at your house ready to work. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Danny Bartlett and his nephews Danny Bartlett, Bill Bartlett and Daniel Hunt.

He is survived by his wife, Meg Bartlett, his son Mike Bartlett and daughter in law Christy, his son Jay Bartlett and daughter in law Tracy, his daughter Ashley Laseter and son in law Sam and his son Matthew Tucker. He was Pawpaw to his loving grandchildren Tanner Bartlett and wife Reagan, Tucker Bartlett and wife Marlie, Dylan Bartlett, Jayden Bartlett, Bayleigh Laseter and Henley Laseter. As a Big Pawpaw, he is survived by great grandchildren Kennedy Bartlett, Walker Williams and Zoey Bartlett. Mike is also survived by his sister and brother in law, Vicki and Keith Kuykendall and sister in law Ladonna Bartlett, brother and sister in law Ray and Dee Hunt and his nieces and nephews.

Mike had a personality that demanded attention and he lived life large. His smile could light up a room and his laugh was raucous and contagious. His love and spirit lives on amongst his family and friends, and the lessons he taught will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 24th from 10:00-12:00 at First Baptist Fannin, 101 Church Rd, Brandon, MS 39047, with services to begin at 12:00.

Mike’s sons and grandsons are honoring their father by carrying him to his final rest. The pallbearers are Mike Bartlett, Jay Bartlett, Tanner Bartlett, Tucker Bartlett, Dylan Bartlett and Jayden Bartlett. Honorary pallbearers are his son-in-law Sam Laseter and his bonus son Matthew Tucker.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Fannin or Kilmichael Baptist Church, 205 North Rutherford Rd, Kilmichael, MS 39747.