James Franklin Dorris, a native of Spring Hill, MS and a resident of Spanish Fort, AL, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the age of 91, survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Jean “BJ” Dorris.
In addition to the love of his life, BJ, he is survived by his children, Jay (Jennifer) of Spanish Fort, AL, John (Denise) of Katy, TX and Liz (Jason) of Daphne, AL; his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Michael Payne, Lucy Payne, Anna Dorris; Jackson Dorris; James (Jalin) Dorris, III and Evalyn (Evie) Dorris; along with many treasured friends.
James Franklin Dorris, or “Jimmy” as he was known to many is preceded in death by his Father, John S. Dorris; Mother, Floy May Burnett Dorris Kuykendall; Stepfather, William Doak Kuykendall; and Brother, John Leonard Dorris. He is also preceded by many beloved pets. Special recognition goes out to “Gateway”, his dog, who gave excellent medical advice.
Jimmy was born January 13, 1933, to John and Floy Dorris. He went to high school in Charleston, MS. He worked in his parents’ general store in Oakland, MS, and ran an ice route to earn money for college. He attended Mississippi State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. After graduation, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Cone. He was the Administrator of Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital in Winona, MS, and was the founding CEO of the Kidney Care Foundation, which is now the Bower Foundation.
Jimmy and BJ loved to travel near and far with their family and friends. Gathering his family together to spend time with one another was one of the most important things in his life. For many a game, you could find him watching the Mississippi State Bulldogs, with his family and friends. Jimmy was a deeply spiritual man who was a long-time member of the local churches where he lived, and he was committed to his family and to the love of his life, BJ.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Mississippi State University Foundation for Academics, College of Business Scholarship.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1PM to 3PM, a time to visit and celebrate his life will be held at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 10am on Monday, April 22 at Spring Hill Cemetery near Oakland Mississippi.
