James Boone

James Allen Boone of Vicksburg, went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2019. James was born in Vicksburg, MS on January 6, 1940, to Daniel Lafayette and Louise Boone. Later, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he lived most of his life. In 1957, James met and married Mary Alice Clement whom he later divorced after 16 years of marriage. Together they had 6 children; Mary Kathaleen, Bonnie Lee, James Allen, Luther Charles, Rebecca Ann and John Douglas. In 1977 James married Donna Mae Hill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They lived many years in New Orleans where they raised Donna’s daughter, Linda. In 2005 James returned to Vicksburg after hurricane Katrina where he lived until his passing at Merit Health Hospital.

James, also known as Jimmy Boone or sometimes “Little Jimmy Boone,” was the oldest of 7 brothers, and is preceded in death by his brothers Daniel, George, Mickey, Barry and Jerry. He is survived by his 7 children, his two youngest brothers Daniel and Kenny Boone of Vicksburg, 19 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was loved so much by family and friends. James was a great entertainer. He played the guitar and sang country music his entire life, starting at the age of about 9 years old. He is known for his great singing voice and for being a talented song writer. His songs include So Close, Steppin Out, I Still Sing Her Love Song, It Must be a Dream, and two hit singles recorded with his producer Robert Hall in the 1960s – Can’t Take Another Beating and Bar Room Baby. James entertained thousands of patrons on Bourbon Street, most recently at the After Hours Lounge and Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana where he worked as a part-time entertainer and full time bar tender and manager. In his earlier years, James worked to support his family in the construction business with expertise as a “floor man” as he used to say.

Services for Mr. Boone will be held February 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home, 145 US-80, Vicksburg, MS followed by a burial ceremony at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 326 Lovers Lane, Vicksburg, MS.

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