James

Morales

James Morales, 83, passed away on November 10, 2026, in Brandon, Mississippi after his fight against cancer. James was born on December 16, 1942, in Belle Rose, Louisiana. James graduated from Assumption High School in Napoleonville, Louisiana, where he proudly played running back for the Assumption High Mustangs.

Following high school, James began his career as a welder with United Gas Pipeline, which brought him from his Louisiana roots to Mississippi through a job transfer.

It was in Louisiana, at the Kenner Bowling Alley, that James met the love of his life, Joy. What began as a chance meeting would become the beginning of a lifetime together.

James was a hardworking husband, father, and friend. He loved the outdoors, was full of adventure, and lived life to its fullest. In his free time, James enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his son, grandson, and friends. He also loved cheering on his favorite team, the LSU Tigers, and sharing those special moments with his family.

James, known as “Blackie” or “Mr. Jimmy” to those who loved him, was always the life of the party and loved welcoming everyone. He threw notable fish frys, crawfish boils, and happy hours welcoming all into his well-known “Barn”. If you knew James, you couldn’t help but love and adore him. And love listening to his stories and jokes.

Above all, James Morales was cherished by his family, friends and community. He was a generous man who never met a stranger. James’ faith was the foundation of his life. He was a fervent prayer and exemplified Christ’s love to everyone around him. James dedicated his time and energy to serve at St. Jude’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus throughout his life. His service at St. Jude’s is a glimpse of his loving and selfless nature. He was strong, steadfast, and put others before himself until the very end. James Morales will be dearly missed by all.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joy Morales; son, John Erroll Morales and spouse, Danielle, and their children, Wesley, Mitchell, and Emma; his son, Scott Mark Morales and spouse, Melissa, and their children, Hannah (Shane Daroowala), Jake, and Kate; his great grandchildren Jane Collins and Beckham James; and his siblings Mildred Bergeron, Agnes Thibodeaux, Irene Cassard, Michael Morales, and Terry Morales.

James was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Marie Morales; his parents, Frank and Faustine Coupel Morales; and his siblings, Louetta Lauden, Everse Morales, Mary Ann Brister, Yolanda Mae O’Hare, Dorothy Lowden, Isabelle Sardenga, George Morales, Frankie Morales Jr., Leonard Morales, and Dudley Morales; as well as his brother-in-law, Herman Cassard.

James’s life will be celebrated with a visitation at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon from 4:30-7:30 pm on Sunday, November 15th and a funeral service at St. Jude’s Catholic Church Sanctuary at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 16th. Following the funeral, all are welcome for the celebration of life in the Parrish Hall with a fish fry in honor of “Blackie” by the St. Jude’s Knights of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James’s memory to American Cancer Society, the Knights of Columbus, or St. Jude Catholic Church. Your generous contributions would be deeply appreciated.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our family and friends who have been by our side every step of the way throughout this journey. Your love, support, and kindness have meant more to us than words can express. You are truly family to us, and we love and appreciate each and every one of you more than you will ever know.