James H. Catchings

The late James Henry Catchings, 76, a resident of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away, Sunday, December 1, 2019, at his home. He was born in Georgetown, MS on Thursday, June 10, 1943, the son of Clauzell Catchings and Rosie Mae Taylor. James was married to Lula Mae Tillman on Tuesday, November 26. 1996. James was an entrepreneur and ran James Catchings Construction for 38 years. He was an experienced cement finisher and a certified bricklayer. He was an active member of Main Street Missionary Baptist Church for 24 years serving on the Deacon board, a Sunday School Teacher, an active member of the Brotherhood, and a Coordinator of the Male Chorus. He was also a former member of the Free Masons. James or “Ketchup” was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clauzell and Rosie Mae Catchings; siblings, Edward Catchings, Claude (and Bernice) Catchings, and Ida Pearl Horne. James is survived by his wife, Lula Catchings; 2 sisters- Louise Harris and Shelly Bass (William Bass); 2 daughters- Chantell Bailey and Jacqueline Catchings, 2 step-children- Nakili Tillman and Ira (Bill) Hodges, 9 grandchildren -Ralphael (Tillman) Shaw, Imani Bailey, William Hodges, III, Nia Hodges, Taela Tillman, Jarell, James III, Julian, and Jaxon Sims; 1 great-grandchild- Karter Bailey, cousin and close friend Archie Catchings, good friend James Price, and a host of other relatives and friends.