HERNANDO — James Allen “Jimmy” Austin, 77, formerly of Oxford, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Hernando Funeral Home with interment to follow in Hernando Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at a catered reception today from 5-7 p.m. at Hernando Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

He was an architect and a U.S. Army Veteran. He was involved in jail ministry in Hernando for many years and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlsie Lucille Austin.

He is survived by his wife, Maria-Elena “Rena” Gaaris Austin of Hernando; daughter, Julie Sowell of Hernando; son, Allen Austin of New Albany; brothers, William Austin of Savannah, Georgia and Barney Austin of Anniston, Alabama; and six grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.