James Merritt Looney, 62, went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Visitation will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home, South between 5-8 p.m., Tuesday February 14th. Services to be held Wednesday February 15th at 10 a.m. with graveside service to follow. He was born in Memphis, Tn. to Jesse James and Jaenne Looney. After he graduated from Fairley High School, James went to work for the Commercial Appeal where he worked for more than 30 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Rikard Looney. They were married for 40 years. They had one daughter, Rose Looney Winzenried and one granddaughter, Victoria Winzenried. He is also survived by a brother, Donald Looney (Susan) of Red Banks, MS. and an uncle, Wilford Looney (Eva) of Memphis, Tn. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald Looney.