James Emanuel Moak, Jr. of Madison, MS went to his heavenly home on June 5, 2023, at 77 years of age.  "Jim" to his friends and "Jimmy" to his family was a very special son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend!

He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Harper Moak.  They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on May 17, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James E. Moak, Sr. and Eleanor Moulder Moak.

Jim was born December 8,1945 in Jackson, Mississippi, growing up on college campuses across the country as his dad gained his education. He was a Florida Gator, an Auburn Tiger, and a Syracuse Orangeman before spending his formative years as a Mississippi State Bulldog.  The MSU campus was first his playground and then his avenue to higher education.

Jim graduated from Starkville High School in 1964. He was a member of the brass section of both his high school band, The Band of the Blue and the Gray, and his university band, The Famous Maroon Band.

His college years were interrupted by the Vietnam War. He joined the army and served bravely for 3 years stationed with HQ 34th General Support Group in Saigon.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Returning to Mississippi State University, after his tours of duty, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Jim worked faithfully for the State of Mississippi for over 30 years.  Holding positions in the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Transportation, and ending his career as the Director of Ports and Waterways for the state of Mississippi. Some of his favorite projects included the Rails to Trails bicycle pathways across the state and the development of the Great River Road Scenic Route.

Days spent outdoors or in the kitchen were some of his favorites. He especially enjoyed his time with his buddies at the Clark Creek Hunting Club and baking and grilling out. The family loved his red beans and rice, banana pudding and chocolate pies!

Having been raised with two younger sisters, Laura Aiken (Marc) of Johnson

City, Tennessee, and Nancy Fultz (Andy) of Starkville, Mississippi, Jim was destined to be a "Girl Dad!"  Susan Stringer (Kevin) of Madison, Mississippi, and Molly Roberts (Logan) of Cleveland, Mississippi were blessed to call him Daddy.

Grandchildren, Julia Stringer, James Stringer, Griffin Roberts, and Nora Roberts were blessed to call him Papa. His wife, girls, and grandkids were the absolute light of his life.

Jim was a member of Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi for 40 years.

We would like to thank the staff at The Madison Health and Rehab and the compassionate doctors and nurses at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.