Jimmie (J.R.) Southern

Treasured son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, and friend, Jimmie Roger Southern III, better known as JR, unexpectedly passed away on June 1, 2022, at the age of 29 years old.

JR was born on August 9, 1992, in Burbank, CA. He was the oldest of 5 children. JR was known for his cheerfulness and love for life, even though much of his life was unfortunately marked with seizures and other health issues.
However, JR did not let that stand in his way. While sure he would express disappointment from time to time, JR lived every single day to the fullest. He loved his life.

JR is survived by his parents, Jimmie and Jennifer Southern. His siblings Alexander, Sydney, Kiera, and Rebecca. His grandmothers are Margo Southern and Nena Dragoo His nephew and niece, Ezra and Briley.
His Aunts- Nicole, Keena, Wanda and Cheryl and Cousins, Matt, Trevor, Jamie, Shaun, Marcellus, Lola, Lily, Sir, Sariya, and Tristan. And many more extended family who loved him dearly.

JR loved children! He had the ability to meet them at their level and engage and play with them. Any small child that came JR’s way delighted in JR’s company. Among his favorite children were his nephew and niece, Ezra and Briley, and his cousins, Lola and Lily.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, JR’s passion was all things sports. He loved USC, the Angels, the Celtics, and the Colts, and he was a member of a weekly bowling league. However, what really had his heart was the West Coast Volleyball team, whom he assisted for the last 10 years.

JR was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord and his church family with all of his heart. His goal was to bring God honor in all that he did. JR was ready to serve and help in any way possible. And some of the ways he did that were by volunteering in The Haven, the special needs nursery at his church, volunteering at the Joshua Camps summer camp program, and assisting the West Coast Baptist College Volleyball team. He has been in volunteer ministry work for more than 12 years.

JR had the unique gift of making conversation. He had a way of learning what your passions were, and learning all about them, simply to have a conversation with you, about something you love. Or, to give you an absolute run for your money, by giving you a hard time about your favorite sports team, when he knew clearly that his sports teams were better! He especially loved doing this with his siblings and close friends and family.

JR had a heart for people and an incredible sense of humor. He loved to make friends and did all he could to be an encouragement to those around him, through prayer, conversation, and sharing his joy for life.

JR’s joy, encouragement, love of life, and friendship, will truly be missed by all those who have ever met him.
Visitation for the family and friends to be held on June 15th from 3pm – 6pm at Halley-Olson-Murphy, 44831 North Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 16th, 2022 at Lancaster Baptist Church. 4020 East Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93535 at 11 am.