James Edward “ToJo” Austin, 64
May 12, 1961 – August 10, 2025
James Edward Austin, known to nearly everyone as “ToJo,” departed this earthly life on Sunday night, August 10, 2025, in the comfort of his home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by the love of his family.
A Celebration of ToJo’s life will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation from 11 AM until the time of service. Graveside service will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. The family invites everyone to Whittentown Baptist Church, once the graveside is complete.
Born on May 12, 1961, in Korea, ToJo was the beloved son of the late Roy Edward and Min Hwa Austin. After returning to Ripley, Mississippi, he graduated from Ripley High School with the Class of 1980. Over the years, he worked as a quality supervisor with Built Rite and later served as a manager at Walmart and Family Dollar before his retirement. On August 5, 2017, he married his high school classmate, Sherry Herbert Austin, and together they built a wonderful life, eventually making their home in the Winona area until his passing.
A Christian and a man overflowing with life, ToJo embraced each day with an energy and joy that were contagious, for he had a way for watching people. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, hunting, and fishing, and in his younger years could often be found working on small engines or perfecting his aim in archery. As President of the North Mississippi Bowman Archery Club, he proudly claimed the title of state champion for three consecutive years. His talents were as varied as his interests—teaching bodybuilding and aerobics at his local gym, lending his handyman skills to help friends and family, and finding a way to make everyone’s load a little lighter.
ToJo was the kind of man who could walk into a room and change its entire atmosphere. His quiet demeanor was easy to see, but he also had a gift for making people laugh, often cracking jokes even in serious moments, and his quick wit, mischievous grin, and love for good company made him the heartbeat of any gathering. Whether telling a funny story, lending a helping hand, or simply sitting and sharing life with those he loved, ToJo lived fully, loved deeply, and never wasted an opportunity to make a memory.
Those blessed to have known him will remember his adventurous spirit, his unwavering generosity, and the way he made life a little brighter for everyone around him. His life was a testimony to the joy of living with a full heart and a fearless smile.
His legacy continues to live on through his wife, Sherry, his daughter, Lauren Moore (Keith), sister, Heather Logan (Malcom Bradford), brother, Anthony Austin and his furbaby, Dusty, step daughter, Ann Marie Edwards (Clint), eight grandchildren, John Hunter, Cloe, Karlee, Logan, Landon, Leah, Brantley, and Mary Adelanne, his mother in law, Patricia Gilbert, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, he is preceded in death by one son, John edward Austin.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Logan Green, Landon Green, Keith Moore, Hunter Austin, Anthony Austin, and Andy Robertson. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Dawson and Clint Edwards.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Tojo’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Thursday
August 14, 2025
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
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Funeral Service
Thursday
August 14, 2025
2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
