James Luke

Funeral service for James Edward Luke will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Chance May officiating. Interment will follow in the Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 1,2025 at McClain-Hays.

James Edward Luke, 92, died peacefully at his home on June 28, 2025.

He was born June 20, 1933 in the Longino community of Neshoba County. The family moved to Noxapater in Winston County in December 1943 where he attended Noxapater High School before enlisting in the United States Navy in January 1953. He served in the Navy until December 1956. Initially on the aircraft carrier USS Bennington, he later transferred to the USS Lake Champlain with duty in the Mediterranean.

He married Louise Dixon Luke in June 1956 and the couple moved to Jackson, MS following his discharge from the Navy. Most of his adult life he worked as an electrician through IBEW Local 480 in Jackson. He returned to live in Noxapater in 1973 to enjoy his hobby of raising cows while continuing as an electrician until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing dominoes and family gatherings, especially when a big cookout was involved.

He is survived by his two sons, Jim Luke (Wanda) of Noxapater and John Luke (Tammy) of Jackson: sisters Dorothy Gressett of Philadelphia and Dwight Sloan of Louisville; brothers Virgle Luke (Betty) pf Pearl, Glenn Luke of Brandon and Larry Luke (Maxine) Of Madison; two grandchildren; six great grandchildren and two great – great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews who were like his own. He was preceded in death by his father, James Tilman Luke, and mother, Wellie Daniels Luke; brothers Cecil Luke and Benny Luke; and sister, Martha Carter.

Pallbearers will be Michael Young, Ethan Kellum, A.J. Kellum, Stacy Luke, Jimmy Rushing, Hayes Rushing, Michael Ming, and Hunter Ming.