James Ottis Pair

A memorial service will be held at McClain-Hays Funeral Home on November 6, 2015.  Gathering and visitation will begin at 1 PM with a memorial service at 2 PM.  Father Augustine Palimattam and Rev. Chris Shelton will be officiating. Following the service, there will be a private family graveside observation. James Ottis Pair died October 30 at the age of 74, from complications related to a rare blood disorder.  He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. His first wife, Kathy Trapp Pair, precedes James in death.  Second wife, Martha Ann Pair, children, Stacy Pair, Julie Pair Gainey (Stephen) and stepson, Tommy Jennings, as well as grandchildren, Katherine Pearl Gainey, James Hillman Gainey, Ashlynn Alexis Jennings and Cortland Thomas Jennings, and his younger brothers, Terry, Charles, and Johnny Pair survive him. As a young man, at Philadelphia High School, James Pair was a gifted athlete and received a basketball scholarship to attend Clarke Junior College.  After Clarke, James attended Mississippi State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in physical education.  He went on to earn his Master’s degree in education administration from the University of Mississippi and completed his AAA degree, also in education administration, at the University of Southern Mississippi.  Although he received degrees from all three of Mississippi’s major universities, he remained a die-hard MSU supporter.  Go Dawgs! A talented and inspiring coach, James was honored with many accolades during his years coaching, such as Coach of the Year for the Pearl River Conference in 1980.  Moving into administration, he worked as Dean of Students at Wood College, in Mathiston, MS; he later became the Assistant Superintendent of Education for Hancock County Schools on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and he also served as High School Principal for the Choctaw Tribal Schools of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, in Philadelphia, MS. James loved to travel and especially enjoyed exploring the outdoors.  In retirement, James was an avid fisherman and played golf.  He loved experiencing MSU sporting events, whether live, on television or on the radio.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and he attended Holy Cross Catholic Church, with his wife, Ann.