Jackson Jambalaya

 Posted below is the obituary for former Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston.  

Jimmy Royce Houston, Sr., 73, was born on January 22, 1952, in Jackson, MS, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 15, 2025, with his wife, Bonnie Moore Houston, at his side. Jimmy and Bonnie were married at 18 years of age and enjoyed 55 years of a loving, Christian marriage. They were best friends from the moment they met and remained devoted to each other throughout their marriage. Jimmy was pre-deceased by his parents, Jestine Walker Houston and Jesse C. Houston; his brothers, Jesse C. Houston, Jr., and Jerry Dale Houston. He was also pre-deceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Doris Myers Moore and Violas Martin Moore; and his brothers-in-law, Carey Norris Moore and Dr. William (Bill) Buck. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Michelle Houston Ashcraft and her husband, Tim Ashcraft; son, Jay Houston and his wife, Devi Houston; and his daughter, Ashley Houston Arceo and her husband, Steven Arceo. Jimmy also is survived by his grandchildren, Amber Smith Crawford and her husband, Dylan Crawford; Tristen Ashcraft Saranthus and her husband, Blake Aaron Saranthus; Tomlyn Walker Houston, Jacob Craig Ashcraft, Emmerson Reese Houston, Landon Walker Ashcraft, as well as his beloved great-granddaughter, Blakely Adelyne Saranthus, and his soon-to-be great-granddaughter, Evie Jane Saranthus. Jimmy is survived by his sister, Jackie Houston Earley and her husband, Rev. Paul E. Earley; his sister-in-law, Lila Moore Yerger and her husband, George Yerger; Ginger Moore Buck, sister-in-law; and Val M. Moore, brother-in-law, and his wife, Nelda Moore, as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews from both the Houston side and the Moore side of the family. Jimmy had a very deep love for his family and each one held a special place in his heart. Jimmy was a current member of Broadmoor Baptist Church and prior member of Van Winkle Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. Jimmy earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Hinds Community College, his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at Jackson State University, and earned his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from University of Alabama. Jimmy was a devoted Law Enforcement Officer, having served for twenty-four years on the Jackson Police Department serving in all Departments from Vice and Narcotics to Deputy Chief of the Detective Bureau, Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations, and finally serving as Assistant Chief of Police in Jackson, MS. He next served as the Chief of Police in Flowood, MS for over three years. He then served the State of Mississippi as the Director of Public Safety, Planning and Certification. After serving the State of Mississippi, he served as the Chief of Police of Ridgeland, MS for over fourteen years. After retiring from Ridgeland Police Department, he was an Adjunct Professor at Holmes Community College teaching Criminal Justice courses. During his law enforcement career, he attended the Drug Enforcement Academy, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, both in Washington, DC. While at the FBI National Academy he completed the notorious “Yellow Brick Road” physical training. He attended the Senior Management Institute for Police Chiefs, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Boston, MA. He was an Adjunct Professor for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He served as Past President of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. In 2018 Chief Houston received the Malcolm E. McMillan Public Service Award. Chief Houston was recognized throughout Mississippi and beyond as a strong leader. He enjoyed his career in Law Enforcement because of the strong support of those who served with and for him. He gained the respect of the officers in his own jurisdiction, from State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies as well as from neighboring agencies. His goal was to serve and protect all citizens in the communities he served. Above all else, Jimmy was a kind and honest man who would do anything for those in need. He was well respected by his Officers because he was always fair in giving praise and in giving discipline when required. However, he always ended with a positive word, and a pat on the back. He loved watching his Officers develop into solid experienced Officers who were well-equipped to serve their communities. He was an encourager and a patient leader. As you remember Chief Jimmy Houston in the days to come, remember that he loved each one of you and always wished the best for you. He loved his God, his family, his Country, and his community. He is enjoying being in the presence of Jesus and his family who welcomed him into heaven. We don’t know if there is fishing in heaven, but if there is, that is where we will find him with Buster and Scooter. He will wait for each of us to join him at the time that God has appointed for us. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Ave., Suite 510, New York, NY 10017; the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 700 Avignon Drive, Suite D, Ridgeland, MS 39157; Cheshire Abbey Animal Rescue, P. O. Box 16330, Jackson, MS 39211: or to the charity of your choice. The family is deeply moved and grateful for the participation of the Law Enforcement Agencies who so respectfully escorted his cremains from Natchez Trace Funeral Home to Broadmoor Baptist Church. Also special thanks to the Ridgeland Officers who escorted his cremains to be received by his family at home. Additional thanks to the staff at Broadmoor Baptist Church for opening their facility to the family for the visitation and service. The Natchez Trace Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Visitation will be held at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison, MS, on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 Noon. The family is very appreciative of the professional manner in which the staff of Natchez Trace Funeral Home managed each aspect of the arrangements. The full obituary will remain posted on the website: www.natcheztracefuneralhome.com.

Kingfish note: Farewell, Chief.