James Roland (Jim) Westbrook, age 98, of Vicksburg, MS died on Monday, 2/7/2022 at his home. Mr. Westbrook was born in
Alabama and raised in Houston, MS. He was the son of James Monroe Westbrook & Emily
Marguerite Landry. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the Marines and served in the
Pacific. Most notably, his unit of 222 Marines invaded Iwo Jima, and he was one of 15 that
walked off 35 days later. Mr. Westbrook was awarded a Purple Heart medal for injuries received
in the Pacific.

Upon return to the States, Mr. Westbrook, worked in the insurance industry, marrying Birdie
Robertshaw and settling in Vicksburg, where he has lived for over 60 years. They had 5
children, JoAnne Burch (Eddie), Bill "Brooks"Westbrook, Donna Collins (Andy), Dr. L.E. (Cookie)
Westbrook, and Charles (Bob) Westbrook.
Mr. Westbrook was an active participant in his local community as well as throughout the USA.
Locally, Mr Westbrook was a 55 year member and Past President of the Kiwanis club, a
longstanding Knight of Columbus, and participant in the United Way. In addition, he holds a 76
year consecutive membership in the American Legion. Mr. Westbrook participated and
organized many Marine and Iwo Jima reunions over the years including return trips to the black
sands of Iwo Jima. After retirement from the insurance industry, Mr. Westbrook ran a Historic
tour company, Red Carpet Tours. Mr. Westbrook was a long time member of St. Michael's
Church, was on the building committee and helped select the current location.
Mr Westbrook is predeceased by wives Birdie Robertshaw Westbrook, Grace Chantos
Westbrook, siblings, Alvin Westbrook, Louise Westbrook Dendy, and great grandson, Troy O.
Hodges, Jr. (Jay). He is survived by his sister Dorothy Sotomayer, all of his children, four
grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held At Fisher-Riles Funeral Home,  5000 Indiana Ave Vicksburg, Friday, 2/18/22
from 5-7PM; Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church on Saturday 2/19/22 at
11:00 AM with burial to follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery, 191 US-80 Vicksburg, MS. under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to St Michael's Catholic Church, Michael J Fox Parkinson Foundation;