Jimmy Givens

Jimmy Givens
Feb. 15, 1942 – March 1, 2020
James “Jimmy” MacArthur Givens, 78, of Osyka, died March 1, 2020, at Diversicare in Tylertown.
Givens was born Feb. 15, 1942, and was the son of Earley and Nina Varnado Givens. He was a lifelong member at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Osyka, a place he served as a deacon since 1971. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He played basketball for Osyka High School and Southwest Jr. College. He served our country in the U.S. Army for 22 months and spent 7 and half months in Vietnam. He received the “National Defense Service Medal” as well as the “Vietnam Service Medal”. While in Vietnam, among his duties were chauffeuring the Captains and Lieutenant Colonels.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Margaret V. Givens; one brother, Leslie Givens; one sister-in-law, Marion Givens; two nephews, Kevin Sandifer and Randy Givens and one niece, Shirley Hughes.
He is survived by three sisters, Josephine Rainwater of St. Francisville, LA, Jean Cannon and husband, Jerry of Gonzales, LA and Frances Sandifer of Tylertown; his own special lawyer and nurse, Ann Bufkin.
Pallbearers were Dale Sandifer, Darryl Sandifer, Mark Rainwater, Kelly Carmouche, Ron Kelleher, Mark Humphreys and Joe Blailock.
Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Jonathan Rhodus, Ben Strickland, Eddie Louis Strickland and Chris Mixon and special friend, Melvin Rushing.
Sharkey Funeral Home of Summit was in charge of the arrangements. Share condolences at sharkeyfuneralhome.com