James Harold Polk

James Harold Polk, 84, of Petal, went to be with his Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning, September 11, 2019, in Hattiesburg. Jimmy, as he was better known, was born September 8, 1935, in Bassfield, MS. He was the youngest of six children to Fleet Hiram & Mary Edna (McPhail) Polk. He grew up on the family farm in Bassfield where he learned the value of an honest and hard day’s work. He was an energetic, outgoing and athletic young man, playing basketball and football for Bassfield. After graduating from Bassfield High School in 1954, Jimmy traveled to Oklahoma to work in the oilfield for his brother in-law. While in Oklahoma, a special young lady caught his eye and he met the love of his life. He married Evelyn Jane McGarr on August 8, 1959, loving and taking care of her every need from then on. He adored Evelyn and always made sure she felt special. Drafted into the US Army in 1958, James served honorably. Upon his discharge, he went to work for J.H. Rutter-Rex in Columbia where he would spend the next 30 years before moving on to Signature Works in Hazlehurst, MS. In all that time, Jimmy was very involved in the community. He was literally a "jack of all trades" and the "go to guy" for just about anything, because if he couldn't do it, he knew someone who could. Jimmy was a generous, giving man that could get things done because he wasn't afraid to go above and beyond. He served as president of the Columbia athletic booster club, as Scoutmaster for Troop 43, Order of the Arrow and as Explorer Post leader. Jimmy was very active in the church where he and Evelyn served the youth group. Later on he started a bus ministry for his “little ole ladies”; picking them up for church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. A selfless man of integrity who taught others as he lived, Jimmy did so much that most will never know about. Although he was always busy doing something, he still found time to never refuse a phone call. While Evelyn ran Images Bridal & Formal Wear, Jimmy fed his hobby through House of Polk Photography, capturing memories in time at numerous weddings, sporting events, and other venues. He is remembered as a generous, compassionate, proud and loving husband, father and grandfather who definitely left a positive impression on everyone who knew him. He will be sadly missed by all whose life he touched. Jimmy was preceded by his parents, Fleet & Edna Polk, his sisters Kathrine Fishman, Evelyn Richey, Anne Roe Davis, Nettie Earl Trosty, and his brother, Charles Wayne Polk. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of 60 years, Evelyn Jane Polk; their daughter Brenda (Billy) McWilliams of Petal, and sons Byron (Michelle) Polk of Missouri City, TX and Blake (Michele) Polk of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren: Chelle (Matt) Langford, Keith (Lauren) McWilliams, Lindsey (Ben) Ford, Ashton Polk, and Elijah Polk, with great-grands Neil and Conner Langford, plus numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The family will receive friends for visitation Friday morning, September 13th at 10:00 AM, in the chapel of Carterville Baptist Church in Petal. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, with interment to follow in the Bassfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity, church youth group, or local athletic booster club in his memory. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Polk family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them lifted up in your prayers over this difficult time.

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