James H. Callis

James "Jim" H. Callis, 81, of Saucier, MS passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Jim was born in Selmer, TN on March 30, 1944 to Mack H. Utsey and Mary Frances Utsey and Hardy Callis. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served two tours in Vietnam. While serving in the Marines, he worked as a machinist and mechanic on the F4 Phantom Jets during the Vietnam Conflict.

After leaving the US Marines Corp, he transferred his service to the US Army. While serving in the Army, he worked as a machinist and mechanic and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. While living in Panama, he built a formula racing car, along with a drag racing car named the Fu Man Chu. He participated in racing both cars. He truly enjoyed building and working on airplanes and cars.

After returning to the USA, he took a break from the military, where he and he worked in the private sector in various jobs. Moving with his family from Tennessee, North Carolina to Mississippi.

In 1979, he decided to move his family to the MS Gulf Coast where his family could be close to his parents. After just two years, he made the decision to re-enter the military. This time in the US Navy. While serving in the Navy, he again worked as an Aircraft machinist and mechanic and also worked as an instructor on the F14 Jets. It was here where he finished out his military career and retired as a Petty Officer First Class.

After retirement, he worked for Beech Aircraft, Time Warner, FedEx and other technical positions around the US. During his spare time, he enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes. At the end of the day, he was most proud of his love and service his country, the USA, and his family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by parents. 

Left to cherish his memory include his children, Sherry (Greg) Wilson of Saucier, MS and Jay (Lynn) Callis of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren, Zachary (Cameron) Callis of Memphis, TN, Bryce (Larry) Gangi of Biloxi, MS, and Alex (Sierra) Courtney of Augusta, GA; great granddaughter, Bellamy Courtney; and by his four-legged companion, Brownie aka Short Britches. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Light and his caregiver, Patrick.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James "Jim" Callis.