James Leonard Bishop, 64
July 31, 1960 – June 3, 2025
James Leonard Bishop, age 64, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at his home.
Funeral Services honoring his life will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Moss Hill Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 10 AM until the time of service. A graveside service will follow in the Pleasant Grove Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Born on July 31, 1960, in Union County, James was the son of the late Audie and Beulah Bishop. He graduated from West Union High School in 1978 and was later employed at Walmart Distribution Center, where he worked filling orders and enjoyed the friendships made along the way.
A Christian and lifelong member of Moss Hill Baptist Church, James was a man who fully embraced life’s simple joys. Whether he was casting a line in his favorite fishing spot, tapping his foot to classic country music, watching the Ole Miss Rebels take the field, or keeping up with all of the WWE wrestling matches, he found peace and happiness in the everyday. A perfectly grilled ribeye steak with an ice-cold Pepsi was his idea of fine dining, and no trip to Tunica or scratch-off ticket went unscratched—he loved the thrill and the fun of it all.
James could easily be described as outgoing, full of laughter, and always up for a good time. He was known as “The Candy Man” to his grandchildren- always sharing a piece of candy to them any time they were together. Beyond all his hobbies and fun-loving nature, his heart belonged to his family.
Family gatherings were his favorite occasions, and he never missed a chance to be surrounded by those he loved. He was the kind of person who brought people together—his booming laugh could fill a room, and his warm smile could light one up. He was the life of the party, always cutting up, always making people feel good just by being near.
Though he’s gone too soon, the joy, laughter, and love James brought into the lives of everyone who knew him will live on forever.
His memory will continue to be cherished by one daughter, Katesha Smith (Chandler), three sons, Jamey Bishop Harper (Reese), Josh Bishop (Alicia), and Casey Bishop (Brittney), five sisters, Delsie Williams, Juanita Hamilton, Lucinda Hefner, Cathy Messer, and Mary Sanderson, five brothers, Travis Bishop, Steve Bishop, Leon Bishop, Walter Bishop, and Kenneth Bishop, twelve grandchildren, Carter Smith, McKaylia Denson, Ethan Denson, Levi Smith, Braxton Denson, John Hunter Smith, Paden Knighton, Hunter Rasco, Harper Bishop, Nixon Bishop, Breona Bishop, and Shyann Bishop, one great grandchild, Tucker Vanzant, and a wide circle of family and friends.
He is also preceded in death by one sister, Bessie Bishop Roberts, and two brothers, Frank and John Bishop.
New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care invites you to share memories with Jame’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
~
Visitation
Thursday
June 5, 2025
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Moss Hill Baptist Church (New Albany)
1111 Moss Hill Drive
New Albany, MS 38652
~
Funeral Service
Thursday
June 5, 2025
1:00 PM
Moss Hill Baptist Church
