James Matthew Carden Jr.

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford James Matthew Carden, Jr. 1956 – 2025 With hearts full of love, we say goodbye to James Matthew Carden, Jr., who passed away at 68—though if he had it his way, he would still be here giving you a detailed analysis of exactly how unlikely that was, backed by three decades of economic data and a powerful testimony filled with miracles. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford (601 Commerce Pkwy., Oxford, MS 38655). A celebration of life will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m., also at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. Rev. Lauren Luckey will officiate. Interment will be at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, MS, at a later date. James was a man of great intellect and even greater curiosity. A devoted lover of the Lord, he also loved music, literature, and the satisfaction of a well-crafted economic theory. An adventurous soul, he lived his life with both precision and poetry. He could effortlessly quote Scripture, Shakespeare, and Ludwig Von Mises in the same breath and somehow make it sound like the most natural grouping in the world. His knowledge was vast, his humor dry, and his ability to make even the most mundane topic fascinating was unmatched. James was a family man through and through. He was a loving husband to his beloved wife, Linda Faye Hentz-Carden, a proud father to his daughters, Nicole Elise Carden and Monica Alexandra Crawford, and the biggest fan of his son-in-law, Holden Wesley Crawford, who he lovingly referred to as “Cowboy.” He was also a devoted brother to Robert Carden, who could always count on him to be there, and nephew to Gwyneth and Wayne Dalton – with whom he loved to discuss family history and of course, SEC sports. James leaves behind a family who adored him, a bookshelf that groans under the weight of his intellectual pursuits, and a soundtrack of favorite songs that will continue to play in our hearts. Though he’s no longer here with us, his wit, wisdom, and warmth remain with us always. In his honor, take a moment to read something challenging, listen to something beautiful, and never underestimate the value of time spent with one another. Donations in honor of Mr. James Matthew Carden Jr., can be made to Red Door Jackson (www.reddoorjackson.com/donate). We miss you, Daddy. We love you more than meat loves salt! Online condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.

James Matthew Carden Jr.

September 27, 1956 - May 11, 2025

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