Local Edition

April 12, 2026

Magnolia, Mississippi

Community reporting, editorials, columns, and local record

Contact

280 Magnolia St

Magnolia, MS 39652

(601) 783-2441

Story

James Elliott Laird

James Elliott Laird

James Elliott Laird 1936 - 2025 James Elliott Laird, 89, a resident of Smithdale, passed away on September 6, 2025. Visitation was held on Wednesday, September 10, from 9AM until services at 11AM at Hartman Jones...

James Elliott Laird 1936 - 2025

James Elliott Laird, 89, a resident of Smithdale, passed away on September 6, 2025.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, September 10, from 9AM until services at 11AM at Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb. Dr. David Millican did officiate. Burial followed at Calvary Baptist Church Smithdale. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James was born on March 23, 1936 to Ottis Laird and Alice Williams Laird. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church Smithdale. He was a United States Army Veteran. He ran and operated Laird Body Shop for over 20 years. James spent time farming, especially cattle, restoring cars and with his family. He loved his meals at the Golden Corral and attending Sunday school with his Calvary friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joy Wells Laird; a son Greg Laird (Suzanne); a daughter Gina Laird Alford (Gary); grandchildren Megan Brown (Blake) and Will Laird; 2 great grandchildren Maddie Brown and Mary Blake Brown, along with other relatives and friends.