Jimmy Lewis Warren

Jimmy Warren, 81, passed away on July 20, 2022, in Oxford, MS.

Jimmy Warren was born on January 10, 1941 in Bolivar County, MS, to Felton Lafayette Warren and Jimmie Lucille Matthews. He grew up on a family farm, Interstate Woods, where he, along with his siblings, helped with the family row crop farming operations, raising livestock, and growing a huge garden which provided a large portion of the family food needs.

Jimmy was an All American and All State star football player. He attended Shaw High School, the Hawks, where he was a 6 year letterman. Jimmy’s high school football days were filled with many major accomplishments: team captain, all-conference selection four consecutive years, and the State of Mississippi high scorer in 1960. Also in 1960, Jimmy was named to the National High School all American all star football team and played in the Mississippi all star game.

In 1961, Jimmy was awarded a football scholarship to Ole Miss where he played for the legendary Johnny Vaught. In 1963, Jimmy transferred to Delta State and played for Head Coach Horace McCool for three years: 1963, 1964, and 1965. As a player Jimmy was a starter for Delta State all three years and team co-captain. After his playing days, Jimmy served as a student assistant to Coach McCool.

As an undergraduate at Delta State, Jimmy graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. As an undergraduate, Jimmy also studied biology and physical education and was a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Sciences Honor Club. Later, in 1971, Jimmy graduated from Delta State University with a Masters Degree in Education.

In 1967 upon receiving his Bachelors Degree, Jimmy was hired as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of Claiborne County Schools in Port Gibson, MS. After one year in Port Gibson, Jimmy was hired by the Cleveland School District. Jimmy served through many roles during his career, including assistant football coach, athletic director, head football coach, track coach, biology teacher, driver’s education instructor and photography instructor. 

Jimmy married Frances Estes Moore on May 9, 1964, having two children: daughter, Dondi Warren and son, Tim Warren. Jimmy and his wife, Frances, who taught at Pearman Elementary School, were also owner/operators of Warren Photography, providing services for Delta area school graduating classes, local weddings, images of record for historic and legal purposes, portraits, and photo restoration services. 

Following the death of his wife, Frances, Jimmy married Patricia Robinson, secretary to Delta State University president Wyatt, in 1992. Jimmy and Patricia enjoyed eight years together until her death in 2000. Jimmy later married Pat Woods, 
sharing 20 years together until his passing. 

Jimmy enjoyed working with his hands and spent countless hours in his shop. He loved nature and was fond of bird watching and journaling. Jimmy had a lifelong interest in American history and Western art, frequently traveling to Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona to visit art museums. 

Jimmy is survived by Dondi Warren - daughter, of Little Rock, AR, James Warren - grandchild, Jewel Warren - grandchild, Betsy Warren - daughter-in-law,  Bonnie Strunk - sister, Lucy Provis - sister, Pat Warren - brother.

Jimmy is preceded in death by Felton Warren - father, Jimmie Matthews - mother, Jack Warren - brother, Bob Warren - brother, James Hopkins - brother, Francis Moore - wife, Patricia Warren - wife, Timothy Warren - son

A private service will be held on Saturday, July 23 in Cleveland, MS. 
Burial: New Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, MS.

A community Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, August 13 from 2-4 p.m. in the Simmon's Room at the Delta State University Alumni House. 

Memorial donations can be made in Jimmy's name to Delta State University.