James B. McCrary, 99, of Senatobia, Mississippi, passed away on January 3, 2026. Born on October 25, 1926, and raised in Crowder, Mississippi, James lived a long, full life marked by love, faith, hard work, and deep devotion to family and community.
In June of 1944, James met the love of his life, Dora Lee Crawford, in Memphis, Tennessee, while riding a Trailways bus headed for Batesville, Mississippi. Seated together, they struck up a conversation that quickly turned into something special. The very next day, they went on their first date in downtown Memphis—walking the streets, looking in shop windows, and seeing a movie. That simple afternoon began a lifelong love story.
James and Dora were married on August 27, 1945, in a quiet ceremony at a Batesville reverend’s home, attended only by James’s parents and one of Dora’s best friends. With Dora by his side, James became a true pillar of the Senatobia community. Together, they supported local businesses, churches, and schools and were widely known and respected as valued citizens and friends.
In 2011, a year and a half after Dora’s passing, James found love again when he married his childhood friend, Frankie Aldison. The two shared ten joyful, fun-filled years together before Frankie’s passing in 2021. They were quite a pair—faithfully attending church and enjoying Sunday afternoons eating out with their circle of senior friends.
James was the founder of one of Senatobia’s oldest and most beloved businesses. In 1952, he and his business partner, Elzy Dowdle, formed McCrary and Dowdle with nothing more than a handshake. What began as a plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning business—selling appliances right off the store floor—grew over the years to include electronics and furniture, serving families across north Mississippi.
After 46 years in business together, McCrary and Dowdle made an amicable decision to part ways in 1998—once again sealed with a handshake. The McCrary family continued the furniture and appliance side, officially incorporating McCrary’s Furniture & Appliances, while the Dowdle family carried on the heating and air business. After more than seventy years of service, the McCrary business closed its doors last summer, ending a remarkable 73-year legacy built on trust, hard work, and community relationships.
A man of strong faith, James was a longtime member of Senatobia First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher, roles he filled with humility and care.
Above all, James was a devoted father. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives—taking his sons water skiing and to baseball and football practices, and proudly supporting his daughters by attending dance recitals, cheerleader pep rallies, and piano lessons. He showed up, every time, and his presence meant everything.
James also gave generously of his time to the community he loved. He was a founding member of the Senatobia Civitan Club, where he was honored as Citizen of the Year, and he previously served as board president of Back Acres Country Club.
In the final month of his life, James experienced a moment that perfectly reflected the love his town held for him. He was selected by the City of Senatobia to serve as Grand Marshal of the Christmas parade. Driven through town by his oldest son, James waved to friends and neighbors with a beaming smile as he passed by. It was a joyful, fitting celebration—truly a beautiful finish to a life well lived and a man well loved.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Lee Crawford McCrary; second wife, Frankie Aldison McCrary; parents, Laura and Herman McCrary; sister, Hazel Marie McCrary, and son-in-law, Bill Kalles.
He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his children, Mike McCrary (Linda), John McCrary (Sandra), Marie McCrary Sansom (Mike), and Emily McCrary Kalles; his stepdaughter, Melinda Aldison; his stepson, Al Aldison (Cathy); his grandchildren, Patrice McCrary Pitts (Kevin), Brandon McCrary (Kaleigh), Collin McCrary (Abby), Sarah McCrary Myers (Doug), Michelle Sansom, and Dallas McCrary (Diana); and ten great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Monday, January 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pate-Jones Funeral Home in Senatobia. An additional visitation was held Tuesday, January 6, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate-Jones Funeral Home with services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial immediately followed at Senatobia Memorial Cemetery.
James will be remembered for his kind heart, steady faith, strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family, friends, and community.
