James Eugene Poole, Jr. James Eugene “Jim” Poole, Jr., the Lord’s good and faithful servant, and our dear husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died with his family at his side on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Jim’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi, with Gary Sinclair and Wiley Lowry officiating. There will be visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. in Miller Hall at the church. A graveside service will follow at Oxford Memorial Cemetery at 4:00 P.M.Jim was born to Anna Rose Finney Poole and James Eugene “Buster” Poole on July 17, 1949, in Oxford, Mississippi. Buster coached football at Ole Miss from 1947 to 1971. As a boy, Jim spent countless hours on Ole Miss practice fields and, according to Jim, “caught thousands of passes and learned how to kick.”After graduating from Oxford High School, Jim played tight end for Ole Miss. Many fans remember the electrifying games when Stan Torgerson would exclaim, “Manning to Poole for another first down!”Jim was a member of Sigma Nu and graduated in January of 1972. In his professional career, Jim had successes and setbacks, but he always approached his business affairs with the same joyful, humorous, adventurous spirit. He was particularly proud of co-founding GranthamPoole and enjoyed its continued success. In 1978, Jim married Gayle, and the two shared a 50-plus year love story that will buoy their children and ten grandchildren’s lives. By 1981, Jim and Gayle had three daughters, Tresa, Meta, and Anna Rose, and Jim delighted in their every interest and activity. It was nothing for him to travel 500 miles for a two and a half minute 800m race. As a grandfather, he would attend three little league games in the morning and a dance competition in a different town in the afternoon. Jim was ever-steady, kind, and endlessly forgiving. Great songs, games of any kind, golf outings, dance floors, and sweet treats always sparked his huge smile. He knew every county seat in every Mississippi county; his sense of direction was never-failing; and he could watch and keep score of three tennis matches at the same time. Jim loved Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who led him to many years of prison ministry, service as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church, and participation in Bible studies with precious brothers and sisters in Christ. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Empress Gayle Smithson Poole; daughters, Tresa Bryan Barksdale Patterson, and son-in-law, Eric of Madison; Meta Smithson Poole Ginn, and son-in-law, Micah of Oxford; Anna Rose Poole Carlson and son-in-law, Bengt of Chattanooga. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Micah Joseph “JoJo” Ginn, Jr. (17); Biven Barksdale Patterson (16); Gayle Smithson Ginn (14); William Walter Patterson (14); Eric Lee Patterson, Jr. (12); Palmer James Carlson (12); Mary Anna Carlson (10); Empress Meta “Mimi” Ginn (10); Tresa Poole Carlson (8); and Bruce Anders Carlson (5). He is also survived by his sister, Joanna Poole Heidel of Oxford; brother-in-law, James Allen Smithson of Madison; and nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers, please consider First Presbyterian Church, 1390 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202 and Gateway Rescue Mission, 328 South Gallatin Street, Jackson, MS 39203.
