Wayne James

Thomas “Wayne” James Sr. passed before the sun rose on November 15th, 2025. Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, neighbor and friend. His strong character and sly smile will be impossible to forget. He was 87 years old.

Wayne was the son of Leroy and Catherine Hayden James, their second son to be born in Pass Christian. He watched as a small town was connected to the wider world by both Highway 90 and cable tv, telling stories of half the town watching T.V through a store window until the broadcast would end. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School, before studying radiology at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Wayne married Sally James in the summer of 1959. They would build a family together, raising three children in St. Paul’s Parish. He went to the ends of the earth to finance their needs, often working two or three jobs. Yet, he never missed a chance to have a good time, cutting loose at Mardi Gras annually. Raising money for Catholic education remained a priority long after his children had graduated high school. He often volunteered for the Carnival Association, the Seafood Festival, and the Friends of the Library, three institutions he saw as vital to the community of Pass Christian.

Wayne retired after forty years of service at the Veteran Administration Hospital. His role as a grandfather and neighbor would consume his free time, often remarking “I retired twenty years ago and I’m still waiting on my day off.” Flashing his sly smile to show he was kidding. You could find him rocking on the porch or piddling in the garage any day of the week. He would have a story, advice, or a helping hand for any visitor, be they stranger or friend. The chairs still rock today in his memory.

Thomas Wayne James Sr. is preceded into death by his parents, Leroy and Catherine; his loving wife of 65 years, Kathryn “Sally” Bishop James; and two daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Mary Beth James. He is survived by his brother, David Hayden (Shirley) James; his three children, Kathryn Elizabeth James, Sally Anne James, and Thomas Wayne (Amy) James Jr; his grandchildren, Cameron Hayden James and Moira Elizabeth James; his great-granddaughter, Blair Elizabeth James; and his longtime neighbor Mary Bourdin.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Holy Family Parish, Pass Christian MS, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, or Pass Christian Friends of the Library.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 1 - 2 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, Pass Christian. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 pm in the church.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.