James "Jim" Cooksey, 65, of Moselle, MS passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, May 23, 2024. He was born on Sunday, October 26, 1958, in Lake, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Hollingsworth Cooksey and Walter Samuel Cooksey and his brother, Sammy David Cooksey.

Jim was born in Newton County. He graduated from Newton High School in 1976. He worked multiple jobs through his life, but eventually settled into Law Enforcement as a Deputy at the Wayne County Sherriff's Department. He moved on to Hinds County Sherriff Department where he was a Lieutenant at the Penal Farm in Raymond, MS. While there, he attended the Law Enforcement Academy at MS Delta Community College, completing that program in 2010 at the age of 52. One of the highlights of his years at Hinds County was the annual State Fair where he coordinated the security details. Those were some long, cold nights!

In December 2010 he uprooted his career to move to Jones County so Wanda could be near her parents as they were beginning to need some assistance. He worked a short time for Jones County Sherriff's Department before he was afforded an opportunity to work at MS Department of Corrections at South MS Correctional Institution (SMCI). He started there 7/1/2011 as Internal Affairs Coordinator 1 in the Criminal Investigation Division. He was promoted to Division Director 9/1/2015. He continued in that position until 10/31/2021. He started work at Covington County Sherriff's Department later that year as Assistant Jail Supervisor. He retired in 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Wanda Harrell Cooksey; sons Ryan Pitts (Lakita), Erik Cooksey (Heather) and Dustin Cooksey; step-daughter Elizabeth Thompson and step-son Richard (Angel) Thompson; and sister Peggy (Sidney) Majure and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 3 PM – 4 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home. A Memorial Service with be held after visitation. Rev. Davey Fenton will officiate.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.