Jim Kemp Champion, 58, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. until service time beginning at1 p.m. in the chapel of Kimbro Funeral Home in Marks Miss. A graveside service and Interment will follow at Oxford Memorial Cemetery in Oxford, Miss.

Born in Oxford on May 21, 1961, he lived there until his family moved to Marks when he was in the 9th grade. Jim graduated from Delta Academy where he played football and basketball. He went on to graduate from University of Mississippi with a degree in business and was a member of Beta Theta Pi.

Jim was a 3rd generation agricultural pilot, who from an early age had a passion for flying. He obtained his pilot license at age 16 and beginning flying in the family business. He always preferred to be flying than any other type of work. He felt at home in the sky. Over the past several years, he had the privilege of working for Shannon Flying Service in Clarksdale, Miss., and was currently working for Old River Flying Service in Elaine Ark. The only thing that thrilled him more than flying was having three sons, and as of March 2018, becoming a grandfather. Family and friends were always entertained by Jim’s dry sharp sense of humor.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Shelia Pierce Champion of Marks; three sons, Cole Champion (Brittany and grandson Barrett) of Clarksville Tenn., Alex Champion of Jackson, Tenn., and Jackson Champion of Chattanooga, Tenn.; his mother, Carol Kemp Champion of Oxford; his sister, Kim Champion Ellis (Eddie) of Clarksdale; five nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Turner Champion.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association (MAAA) and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Kimbro Funeral Home 662-326-2881 www.KimbroFuneralHome.net