Mr. Billy Frank "Frankie" James, 83, of Gore Springs, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Providence Assisted Living in Grenada.  He was born July 23, 1940 in Calhoun County to Curtis H., Sr. and Laura Ethel Alexander James.  Frankie, a man of astute intelligence, earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Entomology from Mississippi State University.  He applied this knowledge, along with his family background in agriculture, to assist farmers all over this area and the Mississippi Delta to ensure their crops produced bountiful yields year after year.  Following his career in agriculture, he lovingly served as his parents' caregiver until their passing.  Frankie was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church near Gore Springs and was proud to have been baptized in nearby Grenada Lake.  He also honorably served in the Mississippi Army National Guard.  Frankie enjoyed the simple things in life, always ready to take a long walk and play with his faithful dogs.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Bradford Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Franklin Dunn officiating.  Frankie will be laid to rest in the James Family Plot at Bradford Chapel Cemetery.  Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

Survivors include one sister, Laura Dalton of Rhinebeck, NY; nieces and nephews, Charles Bianchi, Jack Dalton, Barry Bianchi, Lisa Gwyn, David James, Dan James, Janet Ryan and Harold James; first cousins, Richard and Thomas James; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews and a special great-great-nephew, Scooter.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruby Bianchi; brothers, Jack James, Curtis H. "Buster" James and Robert L. "Tootie" James; nieces, Mona Kay Dickey and Laurie Bueller and nephews, Terry James and John Dalton.

Paul Gwyn, Peyton Hamblin, Bradford James, Dan James, David James and Harold James will honor Frankie by serving as pallbearers and carry him to his rest in the Bradford Chapel Cemetery.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard James and Thomas James.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to his caregiver, Tange James, for the exceptional care he received.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House in Jackson, the Grenada Soup Kitchen or the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).