James Leon Magness, 82, of Gore Springs, passed away at Gilmore Memorial Medical Center in Amory on January 1, 2021, of complications from COVID-19. He was born April 24, 1938 in Derma.
He was a cotton and soybean farmer for 34 years. He was a faithful member of Red Hill Church of Christ. While in his 60s, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of learning to fly. He obtained his pilot’s license, bought a plane, and flew recreationally several years. He continued his lifelong hobby of fine wood working right up to the time of his illness.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Johnson Magness; son, Jeffrey Magness, Selma, AL; daughters, Melanie (William) Cook, Spring Grove, IL; Diana (Robert) Todd, Gore Springs; granddaughter, Jade Sivilisaine, Selma, Al; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Beth (Joe) Barnett, Courtland, and Joan (Donald) Pullen, Raymond; brother, David Magness, Big Creek and six nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, James H. Magness, mother, Rosa Pauline Holloway Magness, and brother, John Paul Magness.
His graveside service was January 4 at Bethany Memorial Cemetery in Slate Springs with Bro. Cole Surrell officiating. Pallbearers were Jeff Magness, William Cook and Robert Todd.
Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.pryorfuneralhome.com