James Young Palmer, 91, died peacefully on February 18, 2026 at home lovingly surrounded by his daughters Christie and Margaret and his twin brother John.
On July 14, 1934, Jim was born to Veva and Dave Palmer of Corinth 10 minutes prior (a source of much pride) to his identical twin John. Veva wrote in her baby journal how a mother could not be prouder than to realize that she had not one but two baby boys - both coming in at a stellar seven pounds plus. Just as Jim arrived large in this world, he lived life large with a generous heart, inquisitive mind, boundless energy, multiple passions and commitment to family, friends and community.
Jim grew up in Corinth where he and his identical twin John had many a Tom Sawyer adventure. The escapades of the Palmer twins are legendary with stories of their inspired mischief still passed down to younger generations. A lively crew of boys including Jim’s brother David – older by two years – roamed Fillmore Street and environs and remained life-long friends. During his early years, Jim launched his career in sales with a successful business catching and selling turtles from Lidden’s lake, and it was all uphill from there. After graduating Corinth High School, Jim attended the University of the South at Sewanee, at the time an all-men’s school, to play basketball. He joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity and played in a jazz band. After a year he decided the co-ed college experience was more his style and transferred to the University of Mississippi where he graduated with a BBA in banking and finance.
Jim then embarked on what he described as some of his best years when he joined the Navy and was selected to attend Naval Officer School. He became an airborne air controller. He spent five glorious years in the Navy primarily stationed in San Diego where he served on the carrier USS Lexington. During his time at sea he completed over 130 carrier landings, including multiple night landings, which he humbly described as “very challenging.” Jim’s daredevil personality and penchant for pushing the limits was a perfect fit for the life of a naval aviator. There are “rumors” of buzzing Alcatraz and flying underneath the Golden Gate Bridge which followed Jim till the end of his days. It was in those memorable naval years that he met his wife Sheila Christie, daughter of a Navy captain. To follow Sheila, who was living in Japan, he managed to become stationed at Tokyo where they became engaged, married and honeymooned.
Upon retiring honorably from the Navy as a Lieutenant, Jim pursued his interest in investments and joined Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner and Smith, which took him briefly to New York City and then to Jackson where he began a notable career lasting roughly 60 years. He was recruited to open and manage both the Dean Witter and Prudential Bache offices which he did successfully and then ultimately went on to open his own investment company - Coker & Palmer from which he retired at age 86. In 2018, Jim was honored with being named a Leader in Finance by the Mississippi Business Journal.
Investments were only one of Jim’s many passions. He had a love of learning, reading, music, arts, sports and the outdoors. He was constantly active and all that were in his radius were infected with his positive energy. Family was a priority to him and he poured his energy into it. There were countless deep sea fishing excursions, a neighborhood chalk trail, kick the can games, liars dice and backgammon competitions, sailing, skiing, and crabbing to name but a few. He loved joining his brother at his farm for largemouth bass and bream fishing followed by a cocktail on the veranda to enjoy the stars in companionable silence.
His grandmother Teddy Bell instilled in him a passion for music and Jim learned to play the saxophone at a young age. In high school he joined a band that played at various establishments on weekends and he continued to play in bands through his college years. One of his memorable music stories was sharing a bottle of whiskey with Ella Fitzgerald on her bus parked outside Kiamie's in Oxford. He loved to entertain the family by playing White Christmas during the holidays. To the chagrin of his daughters, he also loved to play Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with speakers at full volume on the weekends to wake the household.
Sharing his passions and exposing others to what he loved so deeply was important to Jim. In memory of his grandmother Teddy Bell, Jim and his brother John created “The Bell Series” at Millsaps College, a campus concert series featuring guest artists. He became a member of the board of directors of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, serving on numerous committees and as its president. During his tenure as MSO president, he founded a statewide board of trustees, a board of ambassadors, and the MSO Investment Fund, a vehicle for stock donations. He chaired the Mississippi Symphony’s first endowment drive, which enjoyed great success. Attending the symphony was his great joy and although bedridden, he was hard at work in the final month of his life figuring a way to attend a performance. He also took great pleasure in hosting several of his dear caregivers for their first performance so they might experience the joy of music.
Jim’s generous spirit went beyond music as he loved supporting his community. He was an advocate of scouting and served on the board of directors and executive board of the Boy Scouts of America’s Andrew Jackson Council. After many years of service he was recognized by the Andrew Jackson Council with the Silver Beaver Award. He co-chaired the patron campaign luncheon for many years. His service to community was recognized as an outstanding volunteer with the Goodwill Salute 2008.
Of Jim’s many interests, tennis was at the top of the list. He played most every day into his early 80’s. The pinnacle of his tennis playing was achieving the rank of number one in doubles with him and his partner Daniel McNamara winning the USTA Mississippi tournament for age 70 and over. He enjoyed a special friendship with the “Sunday group” that played every Sunday afternoon at the River Hills Club. He put this passion into serving as President of River Hills Club and as a member of the long-range planning committee. When he realized the need for indoor courts following a particularly rainy season, he worked with others to raise funds and build the indoor center.
Jim stayed active after retirement. Even as his mobility declined he made his way to group meetings such as the Fins Up Club - an Ole Miss fan club featuring speakers. A spinoff of Fins Up was the Thursday Group, whose members discussed topics from old tales to current events. The group’s devotion continued to his bedside for which he was extremely grateful.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dave and Veva Palmer, his loving wife Sheila Christie Palmer and his older brother David M. Palmer. Jim is survived by his two adored daughters, Christie Palmer Schmitt (Gregg) of Dallas; Margaret Palmer of Jackson and his twin brother John Palmer (Carol) of Jackson. His four grandchildren who affectionately called him Daddy Jing include Dr. Kelsey Schmitt of Madison, Wis.; Ryan Schmitt of Austin, Palmer Duckworth of Plymouth, Mass. and Alex Duckworth Ellis (Colby) of Raleigh, N.C. as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Barbara Brooks and her tremendous team of caregivers for their compassion and excellent care, and Reyna Rosas.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 27 from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. in the parlor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow in the church at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Covenant Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
