James Edward Oswalt

December 15, 1935 - September 23, 2024

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, James Edward Oswalt passed away peacefully at Diversicare of Eupora at the age of 88.

James E. Oswalt was born December 15, 1935, in Mathiston, Mississippi, to George and Lula (Smith) Oswalt.

James graduated from Cumberland High School in 1956, now known as East Webster High School of Cumberland, Mississippi.

Oswalt served in the United States Army from 1957-1964, during which he served two years in Korea as Military Police along the DMZ line.

James E. Oswalt married Margaret (McCarter) on February 10th, 1961, at a beautiful home on West Capital Street in Jackson, Mississippi. James and Margaret first met and bonded over their mutual appreciation for their large families and faith. During their 63 years of marriage, they were blessed with two sons, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Oswalt's childhood in Webster County, Mississippi instilled a lifelong passion for helping others, farming, and an incredible work ethic. After his military service, he worked in the furniture manufacturing industry. They included Mississippi Products Incorporated, DeSoto Furniture Manufacturing Company and Hood Furniture Incorporated. All were operated out of the same location in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the Director of Shipping and Receiving for 41 years until his retirement.

He was a respected member of the Church of Christ where he served as a faithful member for over 70 years. His hobbies included gardening, auto racing, fishing, and hunting on his land. He discontinued his love of fishing after he couldn't compete with his "McCarter" family.

He leaves behind one son, James Ronald Oswalt of Tupelo, Mississippi. His Daughter-in-law Carmen Hyde Oswalt of Brandon, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his youngest son Tony Keith Oswalt.

He also leaves behind three grandsons and one granddaughter: Aubrey James Oswalt (Christian) of El Paso, Texas, Hayden Reed McCarter Oswalt of El Paso, Texas, and Zachary Hyde Oswalt of Brandon, Mississippi. His granddaughter Morgan Elise Oswalt resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. One great-grandchild Aly-Rae James Oswalt resides in El Paso, Texas.

Oswalt leaves behind two siblings. Roy Oswalt (Gwen) of Mantee, Mississippi and Inez Holloway of Brandon, Mississippi also one Sister-In-Law Johnnie Oswalt of Eupora, Mississippi.

Proceeding him in death is one brother John David Oswalt, and two sisters: Laura Vail and Louise White. Also, his parents George and Lula Oswalt.

The pallbearers will be Doug Holloway, Danny Vail, John McCarter, Hunter Roberts, Zachary Oswalt, Aubrey Oswalt and Timothy Oswalt.

The funeral will be held at Wise-Reed Funeral Home in Eupora, Mississippi with burial following at Mount Hope Church of Christ in the Dancy Community of Webster County. Services will be officiated by Brother Shawn Nygard. All friends and family are welcome.