Jim Kemp Champion, age 58, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019. The family received friends at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019 until service time beginning 1 p.m. in the chapel of Kimbro Funeral Home in Marks followed by a graveside service and Interment at Oxford Memorial Cemetery in Oxford.
Born in Oxford Mississippi May 21, 1961, he lived there until his family moved to Marks Mississippi when he was in the 9th grade. Jim graduated from Delta Academy where he played football and basketball. He went on to graduate from University of Mississippi with a degree in business and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. Jim was 3rd generation agricultural pilot, who from an early age had a passion for flying. He obtained his pilot license at age 16 and beginning flying in the family business. He always preferred to be flying than any other type of work, he felt at home in the sky. Over the past several years he had the privilege of working for Shannon Flying Service in Clarksdale Mississippi and was currently working for Old River Flying Service in Elaine Arkansas. The only thing that thrilled him more than flying was having three sons and as of March 2018, becoming a grandfather. Family and friends were always entertained by Jim’s dry sharp sense of humor.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Shelia Pierce Champion of Marks Mississippi, three sons Cole Champion (Brittany and grandson Barrett) of Clarksville Tennessee, Alex Champion of Jackson Tennessee, and Jackson Champion of Chattanooga Tennessee. His mother was Carol Kemp Champion of Oxford. His sister was Kim Champion Ellis (Eddie) of Clarksdale. He had five nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his father Dean Turner Champion.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association (MAAA) and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Kimbro Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
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