Jimmy Rueff Jr. Cmdr. James Louis “Jimmy” Rueff Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, in McComb.

Visitation is 1 p.m. Saturday at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home of Summit, with services there at 2 p.m.

Born on Dec. 29, 1938, in the McComb Infirmary, Jimmy was the son of James L. Rueff and Mary Vivian Hendon Holmes. Tragically, his father passed away when Jimmy was just six weeks old, and William M. Holmes lovingly adopted him.

A small-town boy with big dreams of travel and adventure, Jimmy graduated from high school in 1956 and pursued higher education at Mississippi State College before earning an NROTC scholarship to the University of Mississippi. His aspirations led him to join the Navy, where he was selected for Flight School at NAS Pensacola, and he began a remarkable career that spanned 28 years as a U.S. Navy pilot and commander. Jimmy’s naval career was nothing short of extraordinary. His first tour took him to Puerto Rico for three years, followed by five tours of duty in the Mediterranean aboard various aircraft carriers and fleet squadrons. His service allowed him to live in Spain, France, Italy and Greece for short periods and even afforded him the opportunity to fly over the North Pole. As a respected Naval leader, Jimmy met dignitaries such as the King and Queen of Spain and the Pope and had the honor of briefing President Jimmy Carter and the Joint Military Chiefs of Staff. He retired from active duty at age 51, having fulfilled many of his childhood dreams.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jimmy’s personal life was marked by enduring love and devotion. In 1957, while working at the McComb Palace Theatre, he met Christine “Tina” Williams. Their connection was immediate — a love that would span decades. Though life took them on separate paths for many years, they reunited in October 2021 after 64 years apart. Their love story culminated in a beautiful Commitment Ceremony on Feb. 15, 2025, at Brentwood in McComb.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved life partner, Tina Holmes of McComb; brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Holmes; brother-in-law, James Yarborough of Pearl River, La.; sons, James (Sheila) Rueff of Florida and Stephen (Julie) Rueff of North Carolina; grandsons, Jordan Rueff, Stephen Rueff, Alex Rueff and George Rueff; granddaughters, Kyrie Schweers, Sarah Rueff, Heather Rueff and Victoria Rueff; and great-grandson, Zeppelin Rueff.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Holmes Yarborough; son, William “Rob” Rueff, and grandson, James T. Rueff.

Jimmy’s legacy is one of dedication — to his country through his distinguished military service — and to those he loved deeply throughout his life. From humble beginnings in McComb to soaring above oceans as a Navy pilot and meeting world leaders as a Commander, Jimmy lived a life filled with purpose and adventure.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.