Jimmy Long, 88
February 10, 1937 – October 10, 2025
Birmingham Ridge-James Murray Long, “Jimmy”, joined his beloved wife Anita Joe Bucy Long 16 days after she entered the gates of heaven. He was born February 10, 1937, to Murray and Virginia Easterling Long of Saltillo.
He married his high school sweetheart Anita Joe Bucy after being chosen Mr. and Miss Saltillo High School in 1956. On June 11, 2025, they celebrated their 69th anniversary. He was a member of Birmingham Ridge Baptist Church.
He retired from AT&T, formerly South-Central Bell after 38 years. At the beginning of his retirement, he raised cattle, was an avid gardener, chauffeured his mother and mother-in-law wherever they needed to go, until he opened Jim’s Quik Check on Birmingham Ridge.
His ability to connect with people was amazing. He was a fantastic storyteller, a quick wit who entertained family and friends with his recollections of boyhood, his time working for the phone company, his memories of everyone he knew and early years of marriage and raising a family.
So proud of each of his children and grandchildren, he never missed a chance to talk about a ball game they played in, a talent they had or an accomplishment or award one of them achieved. Jimmy was a gentle and loving soul who loved his family. His legacy is the joy and laughter he brought to all those around him. He will live on by the stories he left behind, the love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and the lessons, values and encouragements he left with them. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, by his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jim and Rosalie Vetrano Bucy, two brothers, Tommy and Mickey Long and his son-in-law John Kennon Brown.
He is survived by three daughters, Debbie Morgan (David), Teresa Gregory (Scott), Mary Jo Brown, one son, Jim Bucy Long, and his brother-in-law Jimmy Bucy, all of Saltillo.
Nine grandchildren, Emilia Thomason (John), Will Morgan (Carlee), Jared Koon (Savannah), Joseph Koon (Jessi), Jenna Rose Vasquez (Christopher), Charlie Bronc Anderson (Rachael), John Allen Brown (Lauren) John Bucy Long and Stephanie Harrison (Robert). Thirteen great grandchildren, Bella Rose and Mia Claire Morgan, Rosie and Virginia Grace Thomason, Ezra and Miller Koon, Ellis and Emily Koon, Jace and Brixton Anderson, Collins Brown, Cooper and Eli Harrison.
His caregivers, Darrell Gates, Betty Guyton, Visiting Angels, Missy Niblett, and Lisa Roberts. Special thanks to NMMC Home Hospice for their care.
Visitation will be Friday, October 17, 2025, from 1:00 until 3:00. His service to follow at 3:00 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors- Tupelo chapel with Brother Bobby Holland officiating. A private burial will be held at the Saltillo Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Will Morgan, Jared Koon, Joseph Koon, Charlie Bronc Anderson, John Allen Brown, John Bucy Long, John Thomason and Christopher Vasquez.
Honorary pallbearers will be David Morgan, Scott Gregory, T.B.Dye,Jr., David Irwin, Bill Irwin, Billy Easterling, Gary Easterling, Don Long, Robert Long, Johnny Bruce, Roger Wicker, Malcolm Blissard, Dan Franklin and Darrell Gates.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, St. Jude, or the charity of your choice in his memory.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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