James "Rusty" Robert Whittington Jr.

James “Rusty” Robert Whittington Jr., passed away on March 29, 2025, in Long Beach, Mississippi.

Rusty was married to his devoted wife, Rebecca Whittington, for 12 years, although they were together for over 21 years. He is survived by his son, Jacob Whittington, bonus-daughter, Emily Ryals (Phillip Darnell), and bonus-son, David Ryals (Jazmine); his mother-in-law, Carol Jones, and his siblings: his brother, Hoytt “Scooter” Whittington (Vanessa) and his sisters, Arie Doremus and Rachel Wonnacott; grandchildren, Chaylynn Gerald, Michael Gerald, Melody Ryals, and Victoria “Tori” Ryals; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and his four-legged best pals, Daisy May and Dexter.

He is predeceased by his father, James “Jim” Whittington, Sr.; his mother, Lena “Lou” Whittington; his sister, Brandy Brewer; his father-in-law, Michael J. Jones, and his granddaughter, Harper M. Ryals.

Rusty was one of those guys who packed several careers into a short life, each one different from the next. He served his country as a CTR in the United States Navy followed by many years in corrections for Harrison County, a short stint in casino surveillance was followed by receiving certification in welding and pipefitting. He also enjoyed a few years working on the water - decking on the tugboats pushing barges as well as dredging here on the Coast and rivers in northern LA and AR. After working a while in retail, he ended back at one of his favorite places to be, near the water, working for the Pass Christian Harbor until his health kept him from meeting the demands of the job. His most favorite place to be, however, was home with family and wearing the proud titles of dad and PopPop.

Rusty enjoyed camping (more collecting of camping equipment rather than actual camping), fishing (more dosing off while Jake fished) and turning a wrench on any all projects he and Jake may drag home.

Rusty was most definitely one of a kind. He never encountered a Walmart cashier that he did not pick on or try out his latest dad joke on. This was usually followed up with a quick apology from his wife considering there was Bunny bread still to be bagged. Rusty enjoyed cooking and never passed up a chance to light the grill. There aren’t words to adequately describe how much he will be missed.

If you would like to make any charitable donations in memory of Rusty, the family would suggest the following: Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans, Louisiana, Children's Transplant Initiative of Houston, Texas, HHT Centers of Excellence of Houston, Texas and Texas Children's Hospital - Child Life Department in honor of Rusty’s granddaughter, Harper Ryals.

“Rusty, I hope your mom and dad were up at the very front to welcome you with open arms. I’m sure my dad was waiting nearby with a frosty mug of beer for you and, more than anything else, I hope our Harper Girl was ready with a tray of cupcakes (pink frosting with sprinkles, of course!) and squealing with delight to have her PopPop. I am pretty sure they are still sweeping up glitter from the party.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with visitation starting at 1:00 pm at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Rd, Long Beach, MS 39560.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach is honored to serve the family. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared www.RiemannFamily.com