James Lee Sons, 80

May 25, 1943  –  December 13, 2023

TUPELO / HICKORY FLAT – James “Jim” Lee Sons, 80, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at Sanctuary Hospice House on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Jim was born on May 25, 1943, to the late Ira Jack and Marge Schmitz Sons in LaSalle, IL. After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961 and was stationed at Norfolk, VA before departing to Guantanamo Bay Cuba on the USS Boxer.

In 1975, Jim and Jerry Johnson launched J&J Heating and Electric. This venture later evolved into Jim’s own company, Jim’s Heating and Electric, which he operated for 25 years before retiring to Florida.

Jim and his wife Nola Jean Cruse married on June 19, 2010. Jim was a member of East Heights Baptist Church. He lived life to the fullest, had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, eat ice cream, and spend time with the people he loved. He also enjoyed all thing outdoors, including hunting, fishing, boating and the beach.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11 AM in the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Randy Hamilton officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM – 11 AM. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Hickory Flat, MS. For those unable to attend the service, it may be streamed at https://www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nola Jean Sons; two sons, John Sons (Lisa) of Homer Glen, IL and Jeff Sons of St. Charles, IL; two daughters, Jamie Sons of Bettendorf, IA, and Tabitha Long of Tupelo, MS; brothers, Kenny Sons of Tonica, IL, Mike Sons (Suzanne) of Davis, IL, and Steve Sons (Mary) of Earlville, IL; sisters Kathy Clark (Robert) of Littleton, CO, Sandy Sons of Highland, IN, and Cindy Wilson of Warrenville, IL; 4 grandchildren, Colin, Keira, Brogan, and Declan. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; children, Duane and Jimmy Sons; sister in-law, Karen Sons; and brother in-law Steve Wilson, and Ruth Ellyn Dart Sons.

Pallbearers are Alan Estes, Justin Estes, Chuck Richardson, John Estes, Steven Estes, and Thomas Kaine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in Jim’s memory be made to the Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 West Main St., Tupelo, MS 38801.

Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve their friends.

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