James Columbus Mccoy, Jr.

James Columbus McCoy Jr., 76, of Jonesboro, departed this life on June 18, 2025. He was born on December 21, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late James Columbus McCoy Sr. and Alberta Bernice McCoy.

James accepted Christ at a young age and attended St. Paul in his early years. For over 20 years, he and his beloved wife, Mary, were faithful members of Living Word Church, where he was baptized.

He was a proud 1967 graduate of Jonesboro High School. In 1977, James began a long and respected career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer for Arkansas State University. Known on campus as “High Tower,” he retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Retirement didn’t slow him down—he began working at Sam’s Club in 2007 and continued until 2020. There, he became well-known for his kindness and for drawing pictures for children who came through the doors.

In his free time, James loved spending time with his family, going to lunch with his brother Kenneth, playing with his beloved cats—Normy, Stormi, and Minty (preceded by Smoky)—watching Dracula movies, listening to music, and drinking Diet Coke.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Mary McCoy; his brother, Kenneth McCoy (Kecheta); his children, Jessica Dean (Devante Dean), Tyrice Chamberlain (Erica Chamberlain), and Gary Linson; his grandchildren, Lauren, Jaylen, Amanda, Gary Jr., Gabrielle, Savion, JaKobe, and a bonus granddaughter Darrianna Linson; six great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel, beginning at 9:30 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Burial will take place at Clampit Cemetery, near the community of Whitehall, Arkansas, at the end of McDermott Road.