James A. “Bozo” Rye, 79, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Golden Living Center in Amory. He was born Jan. 2, 1932, in Amory, to James Alber and Clete Wright Rye.

James was a graduate of Amory High School, class of 1950. He graduated from IJC, attended Mississippi College and graduated from Ford Motor College in Detroit. He was a truck driver, did roofing and insulation work and owned his own business.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, was a Mason and was a member of Eastern Star Chapter 41. He always looked forward to working at the Masonic Barbeque fundraiser for the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge. A diehard sports fan, he lived and breathed football. He was a wonderful man and mentor, and he cherished time spent with his family. He enjoyed telling jokes.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Margaret V. Rye of Amory; his daughter, Diane Francis McNeal of West Columbia, Texas; his sons, Kevon O. Rye of Amory, Kraig A. Rye of Golden, Keith A. Rye of Raleigh, N.C., Kent R. Rye and David A. Rye of Baytown, Texas; his sister, Virginia (Hank) Hood of Smithville; his brother-in-law, Ralph (Terri) Huggins of Aurora, Minn.; his mother-in-law, Thalia (Howard) Nash of Hatley; his grandchildren, Richelle, Tyler, Brocton, Kraig Jr., Shelby, Kamoron, Lauren, Brandy, Heather, Hali, Harley, Kristen, Savannah and Andrew; six great-grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews, Holly, Melissa, Randy, Leigh, Laura and Paul.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Kenneth Rye and John Hoffpauer.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Forbus, Wayne Childress, Wayne Arrant, James Dean, Ed Cole and John Ritter.