Jan. 20, 1927 – June 4, 2013

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for James W. “Jim” Sligh, 86, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at his residence, will be at 3 p.m. today at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dan Wynn officiating.

Burial will follow under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Sligh was born Jan. 20, 1927, in Monroe, La., the son of James W. Sligh Sr. and Daisy Ellen Richardson Sligh. He was baptized at the Rayville First Baptist Church.

Mr. Sligh graduated from Rayville High School May 6, 1943. He also received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (now Louisiana Tech.) Mr. Sligh was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the 38th Mech. Cav. Sq. He was employed with Haliburton Oil Field Services in west Texas, south Louisiana and Natchez. He retired as district superintendent in 1986.

Mr. Sligh was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Natchez and faithfully attended the John Leckie Sunday School Class. He was also a member of Harmony Lodge No. 1, where he served as Master Mason in 1973 and also served as secretary/treasurer for a number of years. He was also a member of the Natchez York Rite Bodies.

Dad was a living example of how to live like Christ. He loved the Lord and knew the Bible well. He was always faithful to God and his family — a giving and humble man. Dad always had a good joke or story to tell. He will be missed until we see him again in heaven.

Mr. Sligh was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Allen Wells Ferguson; and one daughter-in-law, Deborah “Wendy” Todd Sligh.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Thelma K. Sligh; one daughter, Pamela Sligh of Natchez; two sons, James Robert “Bob” Sligh and wife, Dr. Christa Sligh, of Birmingham, Ala., and Dr. Thomas K. Sligh and wife, Annette, of Vicksburg; two grandchildren, Jonathan Robert Sligh and Sara Christine Sligh, both of Birmingham; and one niece, Eileen V. Kleiser of Sacramento, Calif.

Pallbearers will be Chad Johnson, Tim McCann, Scott Galbreath, David New, Leo Joseph and Jerry Geter.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the John Leckie Sunday School Class and Harmony Lodge No. 1.

The family extends thanks to Heart2Heart Homecare caregivers and staff and special thanks to Janie Allen, Latoya Barfield, LaSandra Warner and Alisa Banks for their loving care. You will always be a part of our family. Also thanks to StaHome Health Agency, physical therapists Chad Johnson and Lindsey Devening, Hoss Serio, Cindy Jenkins, Dr. Brennan O’Brien and his staff, Dr./ Anubha Jati, Dr. Brad LeMay, Dr. Sam Tumminello, DeSean Jackson and the staff of the fifth floor rehab unit at Natchez Regional Medical Center.

Memorials may be made to the Baptist Children’s Village, Natchez Stewpot or to a church or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.