James "Champ" Champion

Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven James, “Jim,” Champion transitioned to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, November 11, 2024 in Memphis, TN, after a long illness. He was born in Paducah, KY, to James Robert and Clara M. Champion. “Champ” was a wonderful and loving man with a very colorful personality. Witty and comical, he also had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid bird hunter. No turkey, duck or goose was safe from Champ. Jim was a successful salesman during his life and sold everything from metal screws to materials for outdoor signs. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age and was raised a Baptist. He loved Kentucky Wildcat basketball (“Go Cats”) and the St. Louis Cardinals. Champ played and lettered in four different sports as a young man. He especially loved playing catcher at UT Martin and was nicknamed “Dauber” because he got covered with dirt during games. He is survived by his wife of over 35 years, Patti Taylor Champion of Walls, MS; his son, Taylor James Champion of Walls; his mother Clara M. Champion of Paducah, KY; his two sisters, Pam (Billy) Just of Florence, SC; Kim (Doug) Pitts of Paducah, KY; a niece, Amy (Dustin) Rouse of Anderson, SC; and a great niece, Austyn Claire Rouse; sister-in-law, Jan (Jere) Ferguson; and several cousins and extended family members; his “grand dog,” Avery, who enjoyed Champ’s attention and ear scratches. He is preceded in death by his infant son, Kenneth Owen Champion; his father, James Robert Champion; grandmothers Bessie Mitchell and Maybelle Champion. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Minor Memorial United Methodist Church (6120 Goodman Road, Walls, MS). A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. also at Minor Memorial UMC. Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven (626 Star Landing Road, East, Southaven, MS) is in charge of arrangements. The family wishes to thank everyone for the prayers and kind words during this difficult time. They are especially thankful for the many nurses and physical therapists of Accent Home Health Care. In honor of his passions, the family requests attendees to either wear camo or Kentucky blue. But above all, Champ would want you to be comfortable and remember the fun times and share a funny story about him. Expressions of condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomesh.com

James "Champ" Champion

November 26, 1957 - November 11, 2024

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