James Melvin Pettigrew, age 90, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, at his home in Houston, Mississippi. Jimmy was born on December 21, 1934, to Sula Lytal Pettigrew and Dixon Lee Pettigrew in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Jimmy graduated from Baldwyn High School where he played football, baseball, and basketball. In high school he met Patricia Ann Dobbs, whom he married and with whom he celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Jimmy helped operate Houston Hardware Store on the square, was a substitute mail carrier, and worked as a greeter at Memorial Funeral Home in Houston. Next, he began work at Union Camp, working his way up from the line to become a salesman for the company. Jimmy also served in the Mississippi National Guard for over 30 years. His unit was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and he and his family moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana, so he could train for war.

Mr. Pettigrew was a faithful member of Houston First Baptist church where he taught the Sunday School class for four-year-olds. He coached youth baseball teams, was an active member of the Touchdown Club, and was a member of the Civitan Club. He loved watching Mississippi State sports.

Jimmy Pettigrew's funeral service will be held Thursday, July 31, with visitation at 10:00 AM and the service to follow at 11:00 AM. Bro. Cameron O' Daniel and Bro. Randy Hayes will officiate. Burial will be at Houston City Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers are Clyde Dyson, Aidan Fletcher, Zach Foster, Raymond Griffin, Jr., Garth Horn, Mackie Weaver, and Matt Stone. Honorary Pallbearers will be Members of Jimmy's National Guard Unit.

Jimmy is survived by his daughters, Beverly Pettigrew Doss of Houston, MS and Vicki Shepherd of Columbus, MS; his sons, David (Heather) Pettigrew of Idaho; Kevin Hamilton of Caledonia, MS; his grandchildren, Danielle (Chris) Newberry, Kelli (Zach) Foster, Leah (Matt) Stone, Josh (Ariel) Pettigrew, Elisabeth (Aidan) Fletcher, Caleb Pettigrew, Elijah Pettigrew; and his great grandchildren, Sawyer and Miller Foster, Banks and Lynlee Stone, Katelynn, William, and Lydia Newberry, and Ava and James Pettigrew.

He is preceded in death by his wife Pat Pettigrew, his son, James M. Pettigrew, Jr., his parents, Sula and Dixon Pettigrew and his son-in-law, Dale Shepherd.

In lieu of Flowers, Donations can be made to the following:

First Baptist Church of Houston, MS
201 W Madison St.
Houston, MS

St. Jude Children's Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, MS 38104

Le Bonheur Children's Hospital

848 Adams Ave.

Memphis, MS 38104

Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.houstonfuneralhomems.com