Mississippi Legacies: Grandson of former governor, World War II vet, dance host on riverboat cruises dies at 95
Published 6:47 am Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The grandson of a former Mississippi governor who served in World War II and then went on to work as a Dance Host on Mississippi riverboat cruises in his retirement died at the age of 95.
Jim Longino. Jr. died on Nov. 15, 2023, leaving a lasting legacy for family, friends, and all of Mississippi.
Longino was born on March 16, 1928, in Charlotte, NC, to James Marion Longino, Sr. and Jancie Mayson Longino. Subsequently, the family moved back home to Hattiesburg and then to Jackson in 1939.
He attended Jackson Public Schools and both Ole Miss and the University of Southern Mississippi. He served two years of active duty with the 88th Division, U.S. Army, doing occupation in Italy.
Jim was a successful sales representative for Sunbell Corporation in Albuquerque, NM, winning “Rookie of the Year ” award and District of the year.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Maitland Longino, his mother and father, brother Glenn Longino, and his stepdaughter, Dale Woods Hammond.
He was the grandson of former Mississippi Governor Andrew H. Longino (1900-1904) who was instrumental in the building of the New Capitol during his administration.
After his retirement, Jim spent thirteen years as a Dance Host on three major cruise lines and locally on the Mississippi Queen Steamboat out of New Orleans, which kept him active for many years.
Jim requested the memorials be sent to Galloway United Methodist Church, 305 North Congress, Jackson, MS 39201 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
