James P. "Jimmy" Dill

James "Jimmy" Purvia Dill Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, and resilient entrepreneur, passed away on February 7, 2024. Born on January 5, 1941, in Columbus, MS, to James Purvia Dill Sr. and Juanita Lucas Dill, Jimmy lived a life marked by faith, generosity, a strong work ethic, and unwavering determination. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Younger Dill. 

Raised in Columbus, Jimmy attended Robert E Lee High School, where he played Linebacker and Center for his high school football team. He continued his education at Mississippi State University, where his lifelong love for the Bulldogs began. 

Always the entrepreneur and tireless worker, Jimmy established a sawmill in Carrollton, AL, a lumber brokering business in Tuscaloosa, AL., and an international trading company with offices in Tuscaloosa, AL, and Qingdao, China. He never backed down from a challenge, no matter how great. When life's ebbs knocked him down, he always got back up and went to work. He was often fond of saying, “It's not how many times you get knocked down; it's how many times you get back up.” 

A man of faith, Jimmy started most days with a cup of coffee in one hand and his Bible in the other. He loved attending Sunday School and his Bible study groups. If you ever had the pleasure of stopping by his house in the morning, perhaps for a bible study or devotional, you were likely greeted with a sausage and biscuit or a fried egg sandwich. 

Jimmy Dill was a tremendous father. He coached baseball because his son loved baseball, and he took up hunting because his son loved hunting. His selflessness and dedication to his wife, Janet, and son, James-Paul, were a testament to the depth of his love. 

James "Jimmy" Purvia Dill Jr. will be remembered as a good man and someone who never hesitated to help those in need. His legacy is one of faith, resilience, kindness, and the enduring love he shared with his family and friends. In good times and bad, Jimmy never lost his playful sense of humor and megawatt smile.   

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents James Purvia Dill Sr. and Juanita Lucas Dill; brother-in-law Buddy Clark;  and brother-in-law Paul Younger, He is survived by his son James-Paul Dill, daughter-in-law Lynsey Dill, granddaughters Annalee Dill and Kate Dill of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister Joy Culver (Bob) of Rockmart, GA; sister Barbara Moody of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister-in-law Nancy Ward (Ronnie) of Camden, SC; sister-in-law Mary Virginia Clark of Camden, SC; life-long friends Kay and Giles Ward of Louisville, MS; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Pallbearers include Cao Xiang An, Jordan Baird, Dr. William Barton, Chris Culver, CJ Culver, Taylor Harris, Otis Johnson, Steve Younger. Honorary Pallbearers include Philip LaMoreaux, Larry Pope, Kenne Walker, Giles Ward, Tillman B. Rodabough II, and Steve Shelton.  

A private burial will be held in Louisville, MS, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 10:30am on Monday, Feb. 12th, at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL.  

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.