James Earl Rea, 81

August 28, 1943 – March 4, 2025

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Mr. James Earl Rea, 81, resident of Baldwyn, MS, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Rea was born August 28, 1943, to the late Avery and Lola Ausburn Rea and was a graduate of Macedonia High School. He was a valued employee of the New Albany Light, Gas & Water Company for over twenty years before his retirement ten years ago.

A Christian, Mr. Rea will be remembered as a giving man, who enjoyed anything outdoors when his health permitted, such as, fishing, hunting and especially mowing his yard.  He was well-known for enjoying pork ribs, and enjoyed having his mother-in-law, Cindy, prepare them for him. He loved his family and sharing time with his boys.  Those who knew and loved Mr. Rea will miss him dearly.

Precious memories will continue to be shared by his wife, Mirissa Rea, five sons, Jim, Adam, and Aiden Rea, and Brian and Justin Gillam, two sisters, Wanda Barkley and Nita Russell, one brother, Gerald Rea, one grandchild and his in-laws, Mike and Cindy Boland.

Mr. Rea is preceded in death by one son, Ron Rea.

New Albany Funeral & Cremation Care invites you to share memories with the Rea family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.