James Hanks Obituary

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford
Mr. James Wesley (Jimmy) Hanks Jr., 72, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Batesville, MS. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of local arrangements.
Jimmy was born on September 19, 1952 in Batesville, MS, to James and Esther Hanks. As a child, Jimmy developed an incredibly hard working mentality. This led him to ultimately build a great work ethic that seemed to push him to excel in anything he set his mind to. He had so many incredible talents. He was an illustrator for the South Panola Blue and Gold in high school, where he also had a knack for writing and poetry. After high school, Jimmy worked for the majority of his life as a carpenter and painter, all while successfully building a career in real estate in Desoto County. He even served as the president of the North Desoto County Board of Relator's Million Dollar Club. He had so many accomplishments and achievements throughout his incredible working career that he was very proud of.
Away from work, Jimmy's talents seemed to continue to grow endlessly. He was extremely creative and was an incredible sketch artist and painter. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and taking on new carpentry projects. He also had a deep love for his land and the Eureka Community. Jimmy loved his friends and family, and he would never hesitate to help a neighbor or anyone in need. Jimmy will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Sally Hanks (Sameer) Agrawal of Vienna, VA; two grandsons, Felix Agrawal and Frederick "Fritz" Agrawal, both of Vienna; his brother, William "Sonny" (Lelia) Hanks of Vicksburg, MS; his cousin, Billy Bell of Courtland, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loretta Hanks; his parents, James Wesley Hanks and Esther Hanks; and his two sisters, Bettye Sue Thornton and Loretta Hanks Smith.
Donations and memorials in honor of Mr. James Wesley (Jimmy) Hanks Jr., may be made to the Loretta Hentz Hanks Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Checks may be mailed to the NWCC Foundation (NWCC Box 7015, Senatobia, MS 38668) or donations can be made online at www.northwestms.edu/foundation.
Online condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.