Dec.22,1930-Dec.9,2024
On the 9th of December 2024, James Wayne Kimbrell, age 93, better known as "J" or "J.W.", moved onward peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, La.
He was born in Lyon, Miss., the son of R.L. Kimbrell and Louise Hawkins Kimbrell, on Dec. 22, 1930.
After graduating from Clarksdale High School, J served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in London, U.K., within the Strategic Air Command as the lead control tower operator with the rank of Sgt.
After his discharge, J married the former Miss Merrial Jo Ingram of Clarksdale, and graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS in Geology. J worked as a Professional Petroleum Geologist for over 30 years.
J spent most of his professional career in Owensboro, Ky., where he and his wife raised their two sons, Keith and Clay. After his retirement, he and Merrial Jo moved to Covington, La., where they rode out Hurricane Katrina and enjoyed the warmer temperatures.
In 2009, after Merrial Jo’s death, J moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be closer to his son Clay and grandchildren - James, Ashley, and Deven. While the death of his wife left a great hole in his heart, he busied himself in Baton Rouge with the role of grandfather and geological mentor.
J’s professional life was full of successes; however, his most significant accomplishments were as a husband and a father. He lived every day for his wife and sons. He led by example, showing his sons his love of reading, poker, western movies and marksmanship. J and Merrial Jo were inseparable and traveled the world together. In addition to all his other attributes, J was a talented artist, leaving behind many drawings, sketches, and hand-drawn maps. J was a voracious storyteller and his many tales will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two brothers, Curtis and Andrew Kimbrell. He is survived by his sons, Keith McCoy Kimbrell (Sarah) and William Clay Kimbrell (Tracey); his grandchildren, Martin McCoy Kimbrell (Chelsea), Ashley Lindsay (Nate), James Wasson Kimbrell, Alexandra Svetla Kimbrell, and Deven Kimbrell (Jarrad Wheeler); his great-grandson, Gavin Kimbrell; and his nephews, Robert Curtis Kimbrell, Kenneth Kimbrell, and Sam Corley.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to his care team including Dr. West and his staff, Pinnacle Hospice, and his carers, Chris and Cynthia.
Meredith Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS will be handling the arrangements.
