as the Officer-In-Charge of Mine Squadron 11, Detachment "Alfa" his unit was awarded the first Presidential Unit Citation from Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States and he was also awarded a Bronze Star with a Combat "V" for leadership in Vietnam. After retiring from the Navy, Jim tried his hand growing chickens for Wayne Farms and later worked until retirement as the Manager of the USM bookstore.
Mississippi not only is the state where Jim completed his Naval career, raised chickens for the first time, but it where his eternity changed - when he came to know Christ Jesus as his personal LORD and Savior at Big Creek Baptist Church in March 1978.
Jim served as an adult Sunday School teacher and on many committees over the years.
Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother James A. and Dora (Allen) Mace; sisters Sissie Youngblood and Wyone Tilly; granddaughter Brittney Mace; grandson Chris Mace and beloved wife of 55 years Martha L. Mace.
He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (James) Shearer of Laurel; Dr. James (Alena)Mace of Lebanon, IN; sister Beth (George) Miles, Huntsville, TX; grandsons J. Matthew (Melanie) Shearer of Severn, MD, Micheal (Allison) Shearer of Baltimore, MD and Cory Mace of Gulfport; granddaughters, Michelle (Chris) Valeika of Atlantic, IA and Adrainne
(Paul) Aufdenberg of Red Oak, IA; and his precious great grandchildren: Joshua,Brianna, Haylee, Savanna, Lily, Jamison, Isla and Evelyn.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Shearer, Michael Shearer, Cory Mace, Robert Barber, Thomas Knight and Jeff Hollingsworth.
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