James Ladd

James A. Ladd, age 93, of Diamondhead, passed away on October 27, 2020.

He was a member of the greatest generation born November 5, 1926. “Jim” was born in Ceruleon Springs, Kentucky. He lived with parents and younger brother at their grandparents farm. At the age of 15, he drove mules, pulled suckers from tobacco, and operated a corn-picker truck. He also polished shoes and chopped wood to keep his father’s barbershop warm. In his “spare” time, he also was a crane operator at a steel mill. At 17, Jim worked for a rug cleaner, painted houses and commercial offices. WWII kept him from finishing school so he enlisted and entered the war. Jim was on a ship to headed to Tachikawa, Japan during the time of the infamous bombing.

As the Senior Sargent construction engineer over all of the 43rd battalion army building, he helped construct an airstrip. While operating heavy equipment Jim suffered an injury where he nearly lost his legs. After the war he worked as a turret lathe operator and grinded tools. During his post-war recovery, he enjoyed winning at bowling. A friend offered him a job as a bartender making specialty drinks at the Blue Bar where the legendary Boots Randolph, a great saxophonist, played and introduced him to golf. A cousin asked if he would help in Detroit, Michigan with rebuilding semi-truck trailers and extensions of wheel bases that pulled trailers where he became best at extending air ride systems for controlling axis of semi-tractors and was highest paid mechanic at company for five years. Another cousin suggested he attend night school to learn thermodynamics and offered him a job at a Detroit Bank. At the bank, Jim met someone who suggested going into real estate, so he got his license. Jim then left the cold and moved to Texas and entered the real estate world. He quickly became the number one salesman in less than two years. He also taught real estate at a commercial college. In addition, he became a “broker” owning his own company.

Jim’s success allowed him to own many rental properties, build new houses, and pools before the high taxes of the 1980’s tax issues. Jim retired and moved to Diamondhead where he enjoyed his later years playing golf. At the age of 85, he had his 4th hole-in-one and a score of 78. Jim was known for building and fixing other members golf clubs. Jim loved to do crossword, wordsearch and jigsaw puzzles and played his Casio electronic keyboard. Jim’s family, friends, children, and 27-year companion, Phyllis Lilley, will remember the special person he was. He did not wish to have a funeral or memorial service.

Jim leaves behind a daughter, Jenifer Rogers (Paul); son, Jimmy; stepson, Keith Wenzel (Suzanne); and beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a step-son, Steve; his mother, Nola Lillian Armstrong; his dad, Audie Lee Ladd; brother, Norman; step-brother, Sydney; and step-sister, Lucy Perry.

The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice for their care and concern for Mr. Ladd.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Kiln DeLisle Rd., is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com