James Hover

James Irvin Hover, age 83, of Gulfport, was reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Murl, on Sunday, August 21, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Hover was born on February 11, 1939, in Gulfport to James Augustus Hover and Ara Emmaline Henry. He married Murl Ulmer on June 17, 1961.  He was drafted into the Army and served in San Antonio, Texas, until he was discharged in July, 1962, and moved back to Mississippi.  He worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital and the Navy Base Commissary in Gulfport.  He had numerous part-time jobs over the years to help support his family and retired in 1998 to enjoy time with his family and help raise his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with Murl.

He is survived by his daughter, Bettye (David) Clark; his sons, Luke (Sandra) Hover and Michael (Leisa) Hover; his seven grandchildren, Bradlee (Paige) Hover, Amanda (Josh) Phillips, Matthew (Megan) Hover, Lauren Michelle (Will) Fauquier, Holley (Wesley) Martin, Justin Clark, and Morgan Clark; his 10 great-grandchildren, Carson and Jackson Phillips, Jacob and LilyAnn Hover, Evie and Eli Fauquier, Lawson, and Grayson, Hudson and Emersyn Martin; his brother, Timothy Hover; a brother-in-law Don Scott; a son-in-love, Tony Karnes; a daughter-in-love, Stacey Davidson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

James and Murl were together 59 years and their love was one for the ages! He was a living example of Ephesians 5:25 “Love your wife as Christ loved the church.” No love ever ran deeper than for his bride, Murl.  They did not like to be apart from one another. They lived for each other and together lived to serve Jesus Christ. Their example taught their children and anyone who knew them how to love each other and others.  He was a faithful member of Michael Memorial Baptist Church for over 60 years and the treasurer for 40 years. He loved to sing in the choir and was a deacon.   He loved to be surrounded by his family, cooking, crocheting, traveling to the mountains, and camping.

A visitation will be held at Michael Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, August 27, from 10:00 to 11:00, followed by a celebration of his life at 11:00.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wiggins immediately after.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family.