James Britt (J.B.) Herrin, Jr., a longtime resident of Clarksdale, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2020 into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love and devotion of his family.
An Ole Miss graduate and lifelong Rebel fan, J.B. was the owner and manager of Longstreet Planting Company which evolved and later became Herrin Farms at Longstreet, Mississippi in Quitman County. After graduating college, he began his farming career with his father-in-law, the late B.D. Mason. Throughout his professional life, he also worked in management for several grain companies in the surrounding Clarksdale area before retiring at Standard Industrial as a design engineer.
As a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Clarksdale, he served on the Board of Trustee’s, volunteered his time and skills to building maintenance and repairs, and acted as Warden for the church facilities. His spare time was spent serving the community through outreach to the church elderly as well as assisting Clarksdale Care Station with serving meals.
Early in life, his passions led him to be a boy scout with the Boy Scouts of America where he learned and acquired numerous skills and characteristics that helped to shape him as an adult. While in the B.S.A, he also became a member of the Order of Arrow. Later, he served as both Scout Master and Assistant Scout Master for several years.
J.B. was born in Lexington on February 13, 1940 to Minnie Brown Herrin and James Britt Herrin, Sr. His early years were spent in Lexington before moving to Drew, MS. for Jr. High School. His family relocated again where he graduated from Clarksdale High School.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol Ann Mason Herrin; his children: James Britt Herrin III (Darla) of Senatobia, and Marie L. Herrin Burton (Brad) of Longstreet; three grandchildren: Veronica Herrin of Atlanta, Ga.; Brittney Herrin of McComb; and Lane Herrin (Paige) of Senatobia. His legacy also includes four great grandchildren: Mason Herrin, Caleb Herrin, Payton Westmoreland, and Laynie Elyzibeth Herrin; and his sister Helen Herrin Matthews (Joe) of Rock Hill, S.C. J.B. is preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Brown Herrin; his father, James Britt Herrin, Sr.; and his sister, Faye Lorraine Herrin.
As an avid outdoor adventurer, J.B. enjoyed hunting and fishing his dear friend, Arthur (Flea) Sanders who preceded him in death. Other interests included Rebels sports, golf, his celebrity idol, John Wayne, and spending time with his grandchildren and extended family.
The family would like to thank his devoted sitters, as well as Legacy Hospice who all helped to comfort him and ease his pain during his battle with Alzheimer’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in his name to First United Methodist Church of Clarksdale or the Clarksdale Care Station.
