Bro. James Willis Outlaw was born September 20, 1955, to the late Bro. Paul Outlaw and Sis. Adrillian Outlaw Epps in Starkville, MS. He departed this life on March 3, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS.

James confessed his hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized and joined Sixteenth Section Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a member until his death.

James attended F.O. Alexander High School in Starkville, MS. He was a long-time resident of Starkville, MS, and later moved to Columbus, MS until his death. He was employed at the House of Kong Chinese Restaurant in Starkville, MS and was later employed by Bryan Brothers Food Company in West Point, MS until the company closed.

He loved to socialize with his family and very close friends. He loved cruising around in his truck with his grandson LaJerrion. He was a very gentle and kind-hearted man. He loved his children and grandchildren. His hobbies included hunting, playing bingo, relaxing, and watching his favorite television programs.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, daughter, Latasha Harris; step-son, Maurice Harris; and two brothers, Robert Louise Outlaw, and Leander Wade Outlaw.

James leaves to cherish his memories: one daughter, Nekkisha Harris of Columbus, MS; one stepson, Michael (Quarntina) Harris of Jackson, MS; a very special friend, Peggy Thompson of Columbus, MS; five sisters, Geneva Gillespie, Ella Mae Rogers, Rosie Outlaw, Gwendolyn Jordan all of Starkville, MS and Linda Smith of Jackson, MS; three brothers, Elder (Ann) Sam Outlaw, Sr., of Lawrenceburg, TN, John (Marketta) Outlaw, Sr., Elder Terry (Valerie) Outlaw of Starkville, MS; two uncles, Lovely Cromwell of Ackerman, MS and Bobby (Julia) Cromwell, Jr. of Starkville, MS; an aunt-in-law, Hattie Cromwell of Starkville, MS; four grandsons; three granddaughters; one great grandson; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.