Services for James William Callender, of Kentwood, are 2 p.m.today, Feb. 10 at Hartman Funeral Home of McComb with burial inHollywood Cemetery in McComb.

Visitation is today from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeralhome.

Mr. Callender, 81, died Feb. 8, 2006, at his residence followinga lengthy illness. He was born in Pike County on Nov. 19, 1924, toIra W. Callender and Minnie Ruth Case.

He was retired. He had worked as a self-employed painter. Heserved as a Marine in World War II. He was a member of Mt. GileadBaptist Church, the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of ForeignWars, and the American Legion.

James was a very giving man. After the death of his brother,Ailyus Eugine Callender, he helped care for his late brother’schildren, Judy Ann, LeRoy and Ronnie Callender.

He was a loving father figure to the children who lost theirfather and mother when they were very young.

In James last years of his life, Judy Ann was his maincaregiver. She was with him every day making him as comfortable asshe could. She stuck with him to the very end. He will be greatlymissed.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, MarthaCallender; two brothers, Ailyus Callender and Arnold C. Callender;and a sister, Lu Mae Britt.

Survivors are his daughter, Ruthie Jo Couch, of Southhaven; abrother, the Rev. D.L. Callender, of McComb; two nieces, JudyCallender Ballard, of Tangipahoa, La., and Lynn Prescott, ofHattiesburg; a nephew, LeRoy Callender and his wife, Nancy, ofBogue Chitto; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins andfriends.

Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Rusty Callender, Jimmy Jones,Jeff Fauver and Johnny Springs.

The family would like to thank the home health staff and hospiceteam at North Oaks Hospice, of Hammond, La., for their kindness andcare that was given to James.

“Gone but not forgotten.”