Obituary

James Albert Willingham

June 2, 1949 - April 18, 2024

James Albert Willingham, age 74 and a resident of Franklinton, passed away early Thursday morning April 18, 2024 at his home. He was retired after a successful career as a carpenter and commercial builder. He was extremely talented working with his hands, reading plans and correctly finishing difficult jobs. James helped construct numerous large buildings including in New Orleans and other states. He worked in Saudi Arabia for 3 years building homes and later assisted in the construction of numerous churches in the area like Mount Zion Pentecostal Church and Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church, as well as in Baton Rouge, Virginia and areas all over. Being talented with his hands, James was also an accomplished musician as he played the steel guitar, guitar, bass and even drums. He was a dedicated member of Mount Zion and a longtime member of the Board of Trustees. James enjoyed different types of hunting and the outdoors, but he especially loved fishing wherever he could drop a line, in nearby creeks, rivers and ponds, the marshy areas of South Louisiana catching speckled trout and even offshore saltwater fishing. He loved spending time with his family and adored his grandchildren.

Survived by: Wife of 55 years: Mary Hickman Willingham of Franklinton; 2 Daughters and Sons in law: Sharonda and Dale Thigpen, Andrea and Ashley Hebert all of Franklinton; Grandchildren: Morgan Thigpen and Kyle Golds, Alex Thigpen, Caroline Hebert, Cameron Hebert, Lauren Hebert; Brother and Sister in law: Anthony and Dee Willingham of Lumberton, MS; Sisters and Brothers in law: Martha Brewer of Lumberton, Yvonne and Ken Holden of Farwell, MI, Lenora Kay and Keith Prochnow of Decatur, TX; Uncle: Joe Gass, Sr. of Pineville, LA; Brothers in law and Sisters in law: Murphy Hickman, Jr. and Charlene Hickman, Rev. Leon and Rose Hickman, Carolyn Hickman; Also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends

He was preceded in death by his parents George Albert Willingham and Ruby Gass Willingham, father in law and mother in law Murphy Hickman, Sr. and Eunice Hickman, brothers in law Donnie Brewer and Donnie Hickman.

Visitation will be at Mount Zion Pentecostal Church (18018 Lee Road, Franklinton) Sunday April 21st from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Monday. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Monday with Rev. Leon Hickman, Rev. Bryan Bates and Rev. Jerry Cox officiating. Burial will follow in the Tyson Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Dale Thigpen, Kyle Golds, Robert Ballard, Chris Hickman, Kevin Magee, James Tate