James Arthur “Jim” Israel

February 8, 1938 - January 29, 2016
DIAMONDHEAD, Mississippi - Funeral services were held for James Arthur “Jim” Israel, 77, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pass Christian, Mississippi, at 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 2. Interment will be held at a later date in the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, Mississippi.
A native of Ville Platte, Mr. Israel died Friday, January 29, 2016, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He was born on February 8, 1938, to the late Jean Pierre Israel and Laurence Vidrine Israel at their home in Ville Platte. He was known by many as Arthur or Jim. He was the beloved husband of Diana Pigott Israel for over 30 years. She was his caregiver for the last seven years since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and over two years with Lewy Body Dementia. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the 159th Fighter Wing after 36 years of service and four years of active duty in the United States Navy. He was a resident of Diamondhead Mississippi, for the past 30 years. He was a member of the LA Air National Guard Retirees Association, the Men’s Club of both Annunciation and St. Stephens Catholic Church and the American Legion, Waveland Chapter. His hobbies included cooking, gardening and fishing. He will be remembered for his work ethic, even temper and desire to please. He was a great Cajun chef who loved to prepare meals for his fellow workers and retirees. He volunteered his services for many functions, especially at the 159th Fighter Wing and Men’s Church Club’s. He even catered several large functions for each.
Survivors include his wife; three sons, James S. Israel (Sarah), Michael D. Israel and Stephen A. Israel; his children’s mother, Juanita J. Israel; one brother, Thomas W. Israel (Ann); one sister, Sherry A. Comeaux (John); 12 grandchildren, Jessica R. Crosmun (Caleb), Alyssa J. Condrey (Kyle), Jaid L. Israel, Amanda M. Israel, Aaron M. L. Israel, Nicholas M. Martin, Heather E. Israel, David P. Israel, Victoria J. Israel, Daniel H. Israel, Sophia R. Israel and Julianna L. Israel; and six great-grandchildren, Malachi D. Crosmun, Jeremiah D. Crosmun, Audrey L. Simpson, Rowan M. Harrold, Miriam F. Crosmun and Aaliyah Lynn Glaude.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David A. Israel and John T. Israel; one grandchild, Malorie F. Israel; and three siblings, Rita B. Israel, John L. Israel, and Beryl J. Cunningham.
Memorials may be made to the building fund of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.