James Vincent Cerra, Jr.

James Vincent Cerra, Jr. — known to most as "Jim" — was born September 24, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to James Vincent Cerra, Sr., and Julia Hanson Cerra. He grew up in Pass Christian, Mississippi, and was a graduate of Pass Christian High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. He went on to build a career in the oilfield, retiring from Halliburton after more than 35 years of service. He passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, at his home in Laurel, MS. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marcella "Marcy" Cerra; his sons, James Vincent Cerra, III, "Jimmy" (Laura) and Eric Nicholas "Nick" Cerra (Bailee); his five grandchildren; his sisters, Catherine Myers and Ann Shirley; a host of nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, including his best friend, Steve Pickich. 

Jim lived at full tide — happiest with a rod bent toward the water, a plate of fresh-caught seafood in front of him, or a golf club in hand and a punchline already loading. He had a gift for finding the funny side of an ordinary afternoon, and for making the people around him feel like the day was better just because he was in it. He believed, simply and firmly, that a life well lived isn't something to mourn when it ends — it's something to celebrate for having happened at all. That was Jim: don't be sad that it's over, be glad that it happened. His family carries forward the love, the laughter, and the joy he left behind.

A graveside service will be held at Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel, MS, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. with Father Jeff Reich officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

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