James "Jimmie" T. Shoemaker, Jr.

James “Jimmie” T. Shoemaker, Jr., 72, of D’Iberville, Mississippi, passed away at his home on November 24, 2025.

Born on November 14, 1953, in Biloxi, MS, Jimmie was the son of James T. Shoemaker, Sr. (October 18, 2021) and Marjorie Rose (Marion) Shoemaker (April 19, 2019). He is also preceded in death by his brother- in-law, Roscoe A. Wilkerson who passed on August 14, 2019. As a native of Biloxi and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he built a life grounded in family, faith, and dedication to his work and community.

During his formative years, Jimmie completed grade school in Biloxi and proudly graduated from Biloxi High School in 1971, and, along the way, established lifelong friendships and relationships while also working to develop the strong work ethic that became a hallmark of his professional career. He continued his studies at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, earning his first college degree in 1973. He then attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Personnel Management. In 1978, he began his professional career in banking, enhancing his expertise with studies at the School of Banking with the Bank of Mississippi in 1979. Jimmie would conclude his career, much as it began, in the finance industry, through his retirement from Hancock Bank in 2016.

Jimmie’s life was filled with the simple joys that spoke to his heart and reflected the man he was. He treasured time spent with family and close friends, always finding meaning in those gatherings and the laughter they shared. His passion for cars and the automobile industry was unmistakable, especially during Cruisin’ the Coast, where the shine of chrome and the hum of engines of the classic cars of yesteryear carried with them stories of tradition and pride. Music was another constant companion in his journey—finding comfort and delight in the timeless tunes from the sounds of classic country, the lively beats of disco, and the soulful harmonies of Motown. These melodies became the soundtrack of his days, weaving together memories that will live on in those who loved him.

Jimmie exemplified the qualities associated with South Mississippi’s coastal lifestyle. He valued the steady presence of the waves through the support of his family, friends and community, and the scenic beauty of the shoreline for which he saw in everyday things. His appreciation for these experiences extended beyond personal enjoyment, reflecting a sense of connection and belonging. Jimmie's legacy is defined not only by his interests but also by his approach to sharing them—with consideration, positivity, and integrity. Central to his legacy was the steadfastness of his foundation built on faith, which influenced his actions, motivated those around him, and fostered enduring kindness and dedication within his family and the broader community.

He is survived by his children, Brett M. Shoemaker (Meredith) and Eric R. Shoemaker (Christina); and his beloved grandchildren, Eleanor and Emersyn, and Acelyn and Chloe, who brought immense joy into his life. Jimmie is also survived by his sister, Vicki (Shoemaker) Wilkerson and her daughter, Adrienne (Wilkerson) Thompson (Nick, Peyton and Logan); and his faithful and loving dog, Bella, who was his most cherished companion. He is also fondly remembered by his many family members, close friends, colleagues, and members of the community, who appreciated his faithful loyalty, optimistic perspective, sincere kindness, as well as his well-known cheerful nature and engaging sense of humor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park, with a reception afterward in the St. Michael Catholic Church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jimmie’s name to Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Ways to Donate/Give: Donate online at ChildrensAL.org/Donate Donate by check payable to Children’s of Alabama and mail to: Children’s of Alabama Foundation 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 *Please include honoree’s name in the memo line. Children’s of Alabama will acknowledge your tribute or memorial gift by sending a note to the honoree or honoree’s family in which the gift was made. The gift amount will not be disclosed. Please provide their mailing information with the donation.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Jimmie’s friends Rachael (Gabrich) Hatten, Bryant Gilbert, and Vicky (Ridgeway) Cole for the kindness, love, and support they provided during the toughest of times. The family would also like to extend a warm appreciation to the staff at Vital Caring Hospice for their care of and compassion for Jimmie, helping him to find comfort in his final days.

Jimmie’s life was defined by kindness, resilience, and a quiet strength that uplifted all who knew him. He will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. The life he led provides a legacy that endures in the lives he touched and the love he shared. Jimmie’s memory will remain a guiding light, reminding us that true impact is found not in grand gestures, but in the everyday compassion that strengthens and sustains us all.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James “Jimmie” T. Shoemaker, Jr.