After 87 great years of life, Mr. James “Jim” Elmer Minks passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at Trinity Health Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

Jim was born August 31, 1937, in Liberty, Mississippi, to Elmer and Blanch (Hughes) Minks. He was the oldest of four siblings and is survived by his sisters, Hettie Lynn Tynes and Sharon Sue Burkett. He is preceded in death by his brother, Roy Hughes Minks. He graduated from Liberty High School as salutatorian of the class of 1955. He attended Mississippi State University and obtained his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. Jim was an engineer for NASA’s Apollo projects. He worked for McDonnell Douglas, The Boeing Company, and Ford Motor Company. After 30 years of service, Jim retired from Ford.

On October 10, 1987, Jim married his late wife, Anna Gayle Minks, in Dearborn Heights, MI. Together, they settled down in Canton, MI, and were married for 33 wonderful years.

Jim loved his family. He raised four children, whom he is survived by: Sandra Kay (Mark) Mroz, Cheryl Ann (Andrew) Poris, James David (Shanda) Minks, and Robert Alan (Tanya) Minks. In addition, he was the stepfather to Charles Blundell Reynolds, II, and was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was also the uncle to 5 nieces and nephews, great-uncle to 15 nieces and nephews, and great-great-uncle to 2 nephews.

Jim was soft-spoken, always kind, and loved to tell stories. He was a master carpenter, and he made the most beautiful furniture, branded with: “Handcrafted by James E. Minks.” Jim was a longtime member of Northridge Church.

Jim’s family will receive friends on Friday, January 10th, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. A visitation will be held at Liberty Baptist Church, 135 Main St., Liberty, Mississippi 39645, on January 18th at 10:00 a.m., until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. James will be laid to rest next to his beloved Anna at Liberty Cemetery in Liberty, Mississippi.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s name can be made to your home church or Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund.