James Strong

Heaven came alive with music on August 5, 2020, as we lost an amazing musician, husband, father, and brother, as Mr. James A. “Tony” Strong passed away at the age of 63 after a four-year battle with throat cancer.

Tony was born May 1, 1957, in Jackson, MS, the son of the late Joseph Robert and Mary Sue Haynes Strong. As his father was in the United States Army, Tony and his family lived in several different areas, including Germany. Tony graduated from high school in Radcliff, KY. After retirement, Tony’s father moved to Gulfport, where Tony soon followed. Tony was a gifted musician. He got his first guitar in high school and was in several bands throughout his life. He worked for Mississippi Music for 21 years, and then became the Owner of Magnolia Music Stores in 2005. His love for music, and to get the right tone on a guitar, moved him to build his own guitars and amplifiers. He got one of his nicknames as “Tone Man” because, as an avid and accomplished musician, he was blessed with the ear to hear the different tones and sounds. Tony also thoroughly enjoyed playing golf. He also had a passion for old cars, where he was a member of the Mopar group and won some awards in 2011 & 2012 for his Challenger.

Tony came to know and follow the Lord the year his son Branden was born. Tony was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he was their soundman. He also played in their praise band throughout the years. Tony always had a smile and a kind word to everyone. He touched so many lives through the love of Jesus and music.

In addition to his parents, Tony is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Ronald B. Tapp.

Visitation for family and friends will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday, August 14, 2020, from the Christian Life Center at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507 where social distancing will be practiced. Due to current COVID 19 guidelines and for the health concerns of family and friends, a celebration of Tony’s life with a limited capacity of 80 in attendance will follow at 10:00 A.M. from Trinity United Methodist Church’s sanctuary with Reverend Jeff Switzer officiating. For those friends and family that prefer to participate from a distance, you may sign the online guest register, leave a personal message of condolence, and watch the ceremony via live stream at www.riemannfamily.com at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Cemetery in Gulfport.

Tony leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 29 years, Sarah J. Strong; one son, James “Branden” Strong and his fiancé, Wanda; one sister, Susan Hall and her husband, Greg; two brothers, Joe Strong and Steven Strong and his wife, Linda; his mother-in-law, Jennie Tapp; three nieces, Anastasia Hall, Kimberly Hall-Loper and her husband, Patrick, Gabriella Strong; and by one nephew, Ashford Strong and his wife, Michele.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Feed My Sheep, Post Office Box 6883, Gulfport, MS 39506, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507.

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