James E. Haggard

Service will be 12:00 Noon Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at McClain-Hays Chapel with the interment to follow in the Eastlawn Cemetery. Rev. Mark Cloys and Rev. Mike Skinner will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 am until service time on Wednesday.

James was born in Kemper County but spent most of his early life in Meridian, MS. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1957 and joined the military, first in the United States Marine Corps then completed his enlistment in the Air Force before going to work in Meridian, MS for Southern Electric & Supply Company and Harrison Electric in sales. Later he moved to Philadelphia to work first for Edwards Electric as a commercial electrician and Nemanco in maintenance. In 1985 he married his life partner, Nita, and lived the remainder of his life in Philadelphia. During this time James re-enlisted in the Miss ANG in the 238th squadron as an HVAC technician to achieve his full retirement for the military.

James loved to treasure hunt, fish, and dabble in Historical pursuits and in his later years, as he slowed down, he met 100’s of likeminded people on social media. He was a devoted father to Teresa and Derri and really fulfilled his love of adventure and fishing when his granddaughter, Madison was born. They were truly devoted to one another. James had a love for meeting and helping folks and became a bonus dad and uncle to so many young people in his life.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Nita Haggard of Philadelphia; daughters, Teresa Westbrook (Doug) of Meridian and Derri McDonald (Michael) of Laurel; bonus children, James Smith (Shannon) of Purvis, Stephanie Cottrill (Josh) of Meridian; granddaughter, Madison McDonald; bonus granddaughter, Sommer Barlow; brother, Dee Haggard (Gini) of Meridian; a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Homer Haggard and Vera Simonson; brother, Bruce Haggard and his wife Jeanie.