James Edward Mount's Obituary
James Edward “Jim” Mount
With profound love, we celebrate the extraordinary life of James Edward “Jim” Mount, who peacefully embarked on his next great adventure from his Mansfield home, embraced by the warmth of his devoted family, in the tender hours of May 12, 2025, at the age of 79. Though his earthly journey concluded due to complications from cancer, the indelible mark he left on this world will continue to resonate for generations.
Born on September 3, 1945, in Henderson, Tennessee, Jim was the cherished only child of Ted and Rosemary Mount, the radiant center of their universe. His boyhood in Chester County was the idyllic tapestry of a Southern upbringing, where he blossomed into a bright and spirited young man. His athletic prowess shone early as the formidable quarterback of his high school football team, earning him not only accolades but the enduring camaraderie of many friends. Summers found him working as a lifeguard at Chickasaw State Park, and enjoying spending time with cousins, the siblings he did not have.
Jim’s professional path began at Casey Funeral Home in Henderson, a testament to his early dedication and care. However, the vibrant pulse of retail soon beckoned him to Memphis, where he worked at Lowenstein Bros. Following this, Alabama’s Loveman’s Department Stores benefited from his growing expertise. Yet, with Dillard Department Stores, Jim truly found his professional home, dedicating over three and a half decades of unwavering commitment. Starting as a discerning buyer for the Men’s Department, he traversed the globe, with frequent sojourns to the bustling energy of New York, before rising to the challenges and rewards of management. Even after the profound loss of his son and surviving a significant heart event, Jim’s dedication remained steadfast until his well-earned retirement in 2011.
A loyal and trusted leader, Jim embraced every opportunity Dillard’s presented, his career an unfolding map of the American landscape as he opened new store locations in Texas and Arizona. Beyond his professional achievements, the deep and lasting friendships forged with his colleagues truly enriched his life, bonds that time and distance could never diminish.
Retirement offered Jim a well-deserved respite, a time to indulge in his diverse passions. He became a master of the digital realm, a devoted companion to his beloved canine friends, an avid explorer of the vast world of YouTube, and above all, a cherished presence in the lives of his family. With his beloved wife, Marva, he embarked on adventures, finding particular joy in the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii, a frequent and treasured destination. In a testament to his thoughtful nature, he also penned a book, a personal narrative shared with those he held dearest.
To know Jim was to encounter an extraordinary soul. His sharp intellect, particularly his remarkable acumen for business and numbers, coupled with an uncanny ability to unravel any problem, made him a trusted advisor and mentor to countless individuals throughout his years at Dillard’s and beyond. His genuine care extended to remembering birthdays and maintaining connections, a testament to his intensely loyal heart. His dry wit and understated humor were gifts that endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. The world feels a little less bright with his absence, a void left by a man of unwavering honesty, profound integrity, and an unparalleled work ethic – a true gentleman in every sense.
Jim’s legacy of love and integrity lives on through his devoted wife and soulmate, Marva, of Mansfield, Texas; his cherished son and steadfast best friend, Joey Edward Mount of League City, Texas; his adored granddaughter Shelby of Memphis, Tennessee, who eagerly awaits the arrival of Jim’s first great-grandchild; and his treasured granddaughter Sydney Mount of Fairview, Tennessee, who held her “Papaw” in the highest regard, and a niece and nephew Beth of Eastland, Texas and Rick of Grimes Iowa. He also leaves behind a tapestry of beloved family members, including his one remaining cousin, Betty Jo Record of League City, Texas, and her children, Pat and Connie, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
He now joins in peaceful rest with his infant daughter Kelly Mount; his courageous son, CWO Judson Mount; his loving parents, Ted and Rosemary Mount; his grandparents, Lucy and Marvin Babb and Riley and Emma Mount; his respected in-laws, Toby and Laverne Nesmith; his sister-in-law, Janelle Billington; and his cherished Mount cousins, Kirk Mount, Cherry Melton, Horace Mount, and June Smith.
A celebration of Jim’s remarkable life will be held later in 2025. Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and details regarding the celebration will be shared with family and friends.
Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to causes close to his heart: the Texas Speech-Language and Hearing Foundation Military Service Award, a tribute to his son CWO Judson Erik Mount, at https://tshfoundation.salsalabs.org/oceansmultistepeoy/index.html; any local Humane Society, reflecting his deep affection for animals; the American Heart Association; the American Cancer Society; the American Association for Cancer Research; or a charity of your choosing.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the compassionate angels at Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their tender care during Jim’s final weeks. Special appreciation is offered to his dedicated Hospice Nurse, Elysha, his loving aide, Miss Clara, whose presence Jim immediately cherished, and Mr. Joe, his clergyman, whose comforting songs and prayers provided solace and peace.
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