James Allen Duthu, 89, of Iuka, MS, passed from this life on December 24, 2020, with his beloved wife by his side. He was born on February 12, 1931, in Belzoni, MS and was the son of the late Charles and Thelma Woodard Duthu.

James entered the United States Navy during the Korean War.  He was sent to San Diego for boot camp and spent most of the next four years on board the U.S.S. Los Angeles CA-135 heavy cruiser. After serving his country, James returned to Belzoni to farm cotton and soybeans with his father on the family farm. Soon after returning home, he met and married Janet Renee Davis, built a home and raised his family. After many years of farming, James retired from farming and was employed by the U. S. Postal Service. James retired from the Postal Service after 18 years of service.

His hobbies were woodworking, deer hunting and fishing but, mostly James was a family man. He loved to be near his family working a vegetable garden, keeping a neat yard and fixing things around the house. James also loved serving his Lord and Savior as a boys Sunday School teacher and deacon. Sunday and Wednesday church services have always been a top priority in the Duthu home.

In 1999, James lost Janet, his beloved wife of 44 years. A few years later, he married Fay Chapman Cole and they enjoyed 10 years together living in Olive Branch, MS. In 2013, Marjorie Edwards became his precious wife and they moved to Iuka in 2015. They have been help mates to each other for the past 7 years.

James was a member of the Iuka Baptist Church. He truly enjoyed the fellowship of his church family and Sunday School class.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Edwards Duthu of Iuka; two children, Beverly (Richard) Estes of Iuka and James Allen (Diane) Duthu, Jr. of Eagle Rock, MO; five stepchildren, Bettie Gilmer of Pearl, Kim (Shane) Luttrell of Olive Branch, Scarlett (Ronny) Roberts, Melissa Davis and Charles Edwards of Belzoni; twelve grandchildren, Somer (Tom) Papalambros of Gulfport, Matt (Lacy) Estes of Iuka, Crystal Shirley and Ashley Duthu both of Mountain Home, AR,  Josh (Stephanie) Gilmer of Pearl,  Dee Ann Gilmer of Louisiana, Austin (Morgan) Luttrell, Kailey Luttrell and Trevor Luttrell of Olive Branch, Emily (Preston) Aust, Natalie (Keith) Dozier and Allen (Beth) Roberts of Belzoni; eleven great grandchildren, Reese Grimes of Gulfport, Ainsley Estes and Sadie Estes both of Iuka, Kiara Shirley and Lilly Shirley both of Mountain Home, AR, Kinsley Luttrell of Olive Branch, Preston Aust, Jr., Neeli Aust, Leo Aust, and Scarlett Frances Dozier and Tucker Dozier of Belzoni. James was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joe Miller Duthu; and two wives.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Belzoni with burial following in Belzoni Cemetery. Rev. George Johnson will officiate. Masks will be required at the services. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

The online guestbook may be signed at www.burtonfuneralhome.net