Jim Stokes

Jimmy Boykin Stokes, Jr, husband, father, friend, avid sports fan, and child of God went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Jim was born on February 21, 1966, in Forest MS to Mossye Kay and Jimmy Boykin Stokes, Sr. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 9:00 AM until 10:50 AM at First Baptist Church of Madison, services will follow at 11:00 AM with, Rev. Ben Atkinson and Dr. Ronnie Falvey officiating. A private graveside service (family only) will be held at Homewood Methodist Cemetery, Forest, MS under the direction of Wolf Funeral Services.
While Jim was only two years old, his mother, Kay, passed away. Shortly afterward, Jim was blessed to gain a second mother, Barbara Stokes.
The family moved several times and eventually settled in Petal, MS, when Jim was 11 years old. Throughout his childhood, Jim loved playing Little League baseball and spending summers at his grandparents’ home in Forest.
Growing up, Jim was active in church and school activities including choir, baseball, & football. Following a youth trip in 7th grade, Jim made his profession of faith and was baptized shortly thereafter. Jim was a talented singer and pitcher. He received several accolades in high school for these talents. He also served as Vice President of the senior class of 1984 at Petal High School.
After high school, Jim attended William Carey University and Pearl River CC for a year. He then decided to join the Army National Guard, going to Fort Bliss for boot camp then being stationed at Fort Dix. During his tour of duty, his troop went to Germany; he was there shortly after the Berlin Wall was taken down. While serving, Jim was detailed as a cook, which worked out well later in life for his family who enjoyed eating whatever he cooked, especially his fried deer steak, mashed potatoes and gravy.
After a year in the Guard, Jim returned to Pearl River Community College followed by William Carey University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Upon graduation, he moved to Jackson and worked in the recreation departments at Hudspeth Center and MS State Hospital before changing careers and joining Progressive Insurance as a claims adjuster.
It was in Jackson that he met and married the love of his life, Leigh, and they established their home in Madison.
Jim immensely enjoyed life- he was an enthusiastic golfer, fisherman, hunter, MSU sports fan and enjoyed any other activity where he could spend time with people. Jim was always up for having a good time with lots of friends- there was never a party he didn’t enjoy; however, his greatest love was his family. Whether he was at the ball field being his children’s biggest fan, at the beach, or just hanging out at the house, he loved spending time with his family.
To know Jim was to love him. He never met a stranger. He was a charismatic, dogmatic, loyal, and loving friend.
Jim fought a long and hard battle against cancer, and although it has taken him from us, we are comforted that he is in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are also confident that he has been reunited with his mother, Kay, his brother, Mike, grandparents Miller and Coye Harkey and Earnest and Bernice Boykin Stokes and his in-laws, Ralph and Alice Hamil.
Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Leigh Hamil Stokes, and their 3 children, Bailey, Bradley and Presley; his parents, Jimmy and Barbara Stokes; and his siblings, Randy (Annette) Price, Deniese (Andy) Wright, David Hankins, Brenda (Jimmy) Spiers and many beautiful nieces and nephews.
Thank you to St. Dominic Cancer Center and Dr. Bobby Graham for being in the fight with us these last 7 years. Thank you to the First Baptist Madison Ahlrich SS class for your constant prayers and love shown to our family- you truly have been the body of Christ. And thanks to all of our family, friends and co-workers that have so graciously supported us through your prayers and generous acts of kindness. We are so appreciative and consider ourselves beyond blessed to have such a supportive network.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FBC Madison or your favorite charity.
Lastly, if he could, Jim would advocate for everyone to get checked for colon cancer if you are having any symptoms. Colon cancer has a high success rate of being treated effectively if diagnosed early.

We ask that you wear a mask and practice social distancing.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts or memories on our Memory Wall at www.wolffuneralservices.com.