James Monroe Hairston, Jr.

Obituary For James Monroe Hairston, Jr.

James Monroe Hairston, Jr., born December 30, 1946 in Petersburg, VA departed this life on October 8, 2020. James was the first child of James Monroe Hairston, Sr. of Martinsville, VA and Audrey Loretta Turner Hairston of Fayetteville, West Virginia. He attended Beltzhoover Elementary School and South Hills High School in Pittsburgh, PA. James attended St. Paul AME Church and Bidwell Presbyterian Church as a youth in Pittsburgh. After attending Oberlin College (OH) he graduated from Brown University in Providence, RI., receiving the Bachelor of Arts in Independent Studies (History/Education/Sociology) in 1973. James completed 30 years of service with the U.S. Department of Education and moved to Jackson, MS shortly thereafter. James lived his life fully. He loved sports and particularly his beloved Steelers. James enjoyed all music (especially jazz), tennis, traveling, and singing for his friends and family at weddings, parties and other venues. James’ life has been a blessing to so many. James Monroe Hairston, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jeanne Marie Middleton Hairston; one sister, Deidre Leota Hairston Groce (Marshall); one son James Rotan Hairston (Symone); one granddaughter Sage Signore-Monroe Hairston; two bonus daughters, Johnie Valeska and Valara Jeanne Forsythe; one bonus grandson Micah Daniel; brothers-in-law Richard T. Middleton, III (Brenda), Paul B. Middleton (Juliette) and Michael A. Middleton (Julie); and a host of other relatives and friends. A virtual Celebration of Life was held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday, December 12, 2020.