James A. Christmas, 81, of Olive Branch, MS passed away in Memphis, TN on October 3, 2019.  He was born in Haywood County, TN on November 24, 1937, to Clyde and Mary Christmas who also preceded him in death.  Mr. Christmas served his country honorably for two enlistments in the United States Army and he was retired from AT&T and Lucent Technologies. Left to honor and cherish his memory is his wife of 56 years, Ruth Christmas, his three daughters, Cyndi Ratliff (Ricky), Sherry Creed (Kenny), and Barbie Barnes (Mark).  He had been blessed with five grandchildren, Ashley Wilkerson (Eric), Lindsey Alexander (Cale), Emily Barnes, Casey Creed, and Ian Barnes, one brother Jack Christmas of Hernando, MS and a sister Louise Gipson of Huntsville, AL. Visitation with his family will be  Monday, October 7, 2019, from 1:00-2:00 pm with funeral service following at 2:00 pm at Getwell Church 7875 Getwell Road Southaven, MS.  Forest Hill Funeral Home, East 901-382-1000