John James Read, Jr., 76, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the VA Hospital in Houston, Texas, following complications from lung surgery. Mr. Read was born in Picayune on October 17, 1932, to John Read Sr. and Vivian Mykleby Read. He graduated from high school in New Orleans, La. and later received his Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University. He was commissioned with the United States Air Force in 1954 and served as a flight navigator for twelve years; he was stationed in Texas, Alaska, Delaware and Japan and attained the rank of captain. He was married to the former Joyce Lee Pittman for 44 years and they raised three sons: Gregory Nunnery, John James Read III and Frederic Selmer Read. After his military service, he was employed by the State of Mississippi, Royal Crown Cola in Meridian, and was the owner/operator of Video Depot in Picayune until his retirement in 1997. At the time of his death, he was living in Lucedale, Miss. Mr. Read was a member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church and a past member of the Lion’s Club, both of Picayune.

Mr. Read was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Joy; his stepson, Greg; and his granddaughter, Roxe Anne Nunnery Minor.

He is survived by: his sister, Joan and her husband Jim Bres of Durham, N. C.; his uncle, Bill Mykleby of New Orleans; his son, John III with his wife Renee and their daughters Erin and Hannah, all of Madison; son, Rickey and his partner Charles Beck of Meridian; and his long-time companion, Diana Brown of Lucedale.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Ave., Biloxi. Mr. Read will be interred with his wife at the Biloxi National Cemetery, following a committal service with military honors at 9 a.m., Monday, October 26, 2009.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.