James Edward Westbrook, Sr.

James Edward Westbrook, Sr. was born October 20, 1970 to Oscar Westbrook and Martha Slate Westbrook in Oxford, MS.

James accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at Second Missionary Baptist Church. He was a graduate of the OHS Class of 1990. While in school, James was a member of the Track & Field team. He was also a great artist and discovered his love for drawing.

This love encouraged him to pursue an art degree at the University of Mississippi.  

James was a natural born leader, and this exuded in his work ethic as he advanced in various supervisory roles. When he wasn’t working, James loved to spend time with his family, friends, and especially his grandbabies. He also found joy in singing, dancing, cooking, barbequing, playing word games online, and fishing. James was always the life of any party or gathering that he attended. Watching television and movies was also one of his favorite pastimes. During the NFL season, he was always rooting for his San Francisco 49ers. Other days he indulged in action, western, or black heritage shows or movies. He particularly enjoyed Law & Order.

On Friday, October 22, 2021, James was called home. He will forever be missed and loved by his family. Left to cherish his memories are his children, Jameshia (Kenneth) Mullin of Oxford, MS, Janae Westbrook (Ralpheal Patton) of Memphis, TN, and James E. Westbrook, Jr. of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Mia Green and Kenneth Mullin III both of Oxford, MS; parents, Martha Slate Westbrook and Oscar Westbrook both of Oxford, MS; siblings, Timothy (Sharon) Slate, Jonathan Slate, Mike Lewis and Sharon Lewis all of Oxford, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

James was preceded in death by his brother, Tony Westbrook, maternal grandparents, Fletcher Brassel and Ollie M. Bibbs, and paternal grandmother, Alice McEwen Mayes.