Jessie “Sonny” Collins Oldham, 83, passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Winona, and raised in Greenwood, MS, Jessie was the first born of J.W. and Lorene Collins Oldham. He is a 1960 graduate of Greenwood High School. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1965 and later received his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for 30 years at the Engineer Research and Development Center, formerly known as Waterways Experiment Station, before retiring as Chief of the Soils Testing Laboratory. After retiring, he traveled for several years selling powdered rubber material for use in highway construction and repair.
In August 1965, he married Patricia Perrin of Winona, his beautiful bride of 59 years. They moved to Vicksburg in 1967 where they raised their 2 girls, Cricket and Janet. Jessie and Tricia were devoted members of First Presbyterian Church for 55 years. Jessie served there as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher and Youth Leader. He was also the team leader for the Carpenters for Christ group which built houses for needy families in the Vicksburg area. He served as the Property Chairman of FPC where he was instrumental in overseeing the construction of a new playground. He also delivered for Meals on Wheels and was a leader for the Salvation Army lunch program. When they moved to Lake Caroline in 2021, Jessie and Tricia joined Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church of Madison.
Jessie enjoyed spending time at their camp at Lake Bruin and attending Mississippi State sporting events with his family. He loved MSU football and baseball and was able to attend the College World Series in 2018. He and Tricia enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed their trips to Hawaii, England and Ireland. But Jessie’s heart was always with his beloved family. His grandchildren were his delight. Will, Claire and Emily could always count on Granddad for a silly joke!
Jessie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, and his beloved daughters, Cricket Carroll (Tim) and Janet Humphreys (Scott); grandchildren, Will Carroll (Sally Kate) and Claire and Emily Humphreys; sister, Dorothy Oldham Henson (Ranny); nieces, Heather Grissom (Jason) and Amy McInteer (Braden); sister-in-law, Bitsy Perrin Huffines, and numerous cousins.
The family wishes to especially thank Heart to Heart in Gluckstadt for providing a fun and warm environment for Jessie to enjoy these last few years. In addition, we wish to thank Covenant Caregivers and Compassus Hospice Care for caring for him so well over the past several months.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Rev. Tim Brown will officiate the service. A committal service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Scotland Baptist Church Cemetery in Winona with Rev. Tommy Robinson officiating the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg at 1501 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180 or to Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church at 307 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110.
This makes me so sad…”Sonny”,as all us children in our Virginia St. neighborhood in Greenwood, called him, was one of the most adorable lil boys I ever saw.. several years younger, so, I remember him well!
THAT GRIN… would be his lifelong signature look!! As fate would have it, years later, both of us with families, ended up in Vicksburg and at First Presbyterian Church! Our families enjoyed many years of continued friendship. Later, we moved to Hattiesburg and sadly, did not see the Oldhams often( however, it was always a joy) when we did!!
I grieve with Tricia, Cricket, Janet and all the family, but, with great hope, knowing he is now well and in the presence of Jesus!
SO much love and many hugs,
Anne Love
Patricia and family,
So sorry to hear about Sonny. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.
Patricia….. so sorry to hear about Jesse. We had such fun with you all working with the young people in Vicksburg! I did not remember that Jesse had Greenwood roots. Some of our best friends in the world are in that place! We spent 22 great years there. Give our best to Cricket and Janet. We are retired in Montreat these days. Preaching in Greenwood, November 24 and seeing our granddaughters in Greenville. Blessings, Rusty Douglas.
Rusty! It’s so good to hear from you!! Glad to hear you and Betty are doing well. My husband Tim and I are living in Huntsville Alabama and are soon to be grandparents as well!! Can you believe that?!? Please know that Daddy thought so much of you. We are definitely going to miss his sweet smile but are so glad he is fully healed and we will see him again!
Cricket
Janet and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you are hurting and you all have my prayers.
Dorothy and entire family,
I was saddened to learn of Sonny’s passing. I remember him well. My thoughts, prayers and love go with you all.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️ LaDonna