James Thurman Cruse, Sr.
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James Thurman Cruse, Sr., 79, passed away July 8, 2022, at home after a long illness, surrounded by family and friends. He was born July 29, 1942, in Pontotoc to Fred and Prudell Owen Cruse. He graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1960 and married Alice Hitchcock in 1963. He spent most of his life working as a truck driver and working for several industries in Pontotoc before opening, J.T.'s Cafe in Ecru, where he loved serving his friends for over 20 years. He was a member of Fairview Methodist Church and was a Mason.
He leaves behind the love of his life and loving caregiver, Alice Cruse; one son, Jimmy Cruse(Linda); one daughter, Sherry Williams(Ricky); one sister, Neva Nash; 10 grandchildren, Kayla Snider(Will), Anna Claire McCary, Sara Beth Hardman(John), Dylan Cruse, Jessica Mann(Rick), Maegan Garrison(Chase), Jacob Stokes(Alex), Ashley Johnson(Bryan), Bradley Tucker(Nora), and Alex Parish(Ben); 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Marie Huey, Buddy Cruse, Fuzzy Cruse, Opal McCoy, Helen Cruse, Boyd Cruse, Freddie Walker, and Carolyn Thomas.
Services will be Monday, July 11, 2022, at 2PM at Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Bro. Wayne Cobb and Bro. Cory Collins officiating. Burial will follow in Cruse Cemetery. Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Wilbur, Randy Cruse, Neil Cruse, Terry Cruse, Elmer Holder, and Jackie Cruse.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie Leggett, Ray Huey, Mike Cruse, Tony Cruse, Danny Robbins, Rex Mooney, and Bobby Brown.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 10th 5-8PM and Monday, July 11th 1PM until service time.