James Arnold

Stricklen

James Arnold Stricklen, 80, of Utica, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026, at his home.

James was born April 8, 1946, in Indianola, to Odell and Annie Lee Vance Stricklen. He was a graduate of Inverness High School, Mississippi Delta Community College, and Delta State University, where he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, James spent many years working in sales in the propane industry before retiring. To know him was to love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kevin James Stricklen; and his brother, Rayburn Stricklen.

James is survived by his wife, Mollie Stricklen; two sons, Steve (Lisa) Stricklen, and Brian Stricklen; four daughters, Jamie Harrison (Nelson), Niki Atwood (Scott), Stacy Mitchell, and Chrisy Drennan (Chris); his brother, Roland Stricklen; two sisters, Darlene Chisolm and Debra Parkerson; nine grandchildren, Kerry Lowery (Presley), Triston Lowery, Hanna Morgan Stricklen, Abby Lowery, Jordan Coleman Stricklen, Colton Gary, Molly Lowery, Aydyn Atwood, and Olivan Drennan; and two great-grandchildren, Lynleigh and Harvey (Rabbit).

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Inverness. Graveside services will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Greg Hood officiating.

Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.