James Kevin Sykes, age 57, passed away on May 31, 2026. Kevin was born October 23, 1968, to Sue and Harold Goodnight. He was later adopted by Charlie Sykes, and was raised by his parents, Charlie and Sue Sykes in Jackson, Mississippi.

Kevin was married to Keely Brady. They had two children, Kasey on January 14, 1988, and John on April 8, 1991. He later married the love of his life, Tamara Johnson and daughter, Brittney, on July 22, 1994. They had a son, Devon, on September 22, 1994.

Despite having fought a hard battle with dyslexia in his younger life, Kevin later became an accomplished trim carpenter. His beautiful work can be seen in many homes in Jackson and the surrounding areas, including his pastor’s home, Pastor Darrel Blankenship.

Later in life, Kevin went back to school for firearms technology and gunsmithing. He went on to receive his master’s degree and became a Master Gunsmith. He was very brilliant man and knew something about everything!

Kevin led a very full life, full of family and friends that loved him deeply and he loved them as well. His laugh was huge and so was his heart. He loved the Lord, his wife, mother, children, grandchildren, and a whole host of family with that huge heart till the very end.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Goodnight; his daddy, Charlie Sykes; son, John Sykes; his brother, Thomas "Ralph" Sykes; and grandson, Auden Sykes.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara Sykes of Cotter, Arkansas; mother, Sue Sykes of Jackson, Mississippi; daughters, Kasey Adair (Michael) of Terry, Mississippi and Brittney Beauvais (Michael) of Cotter, Arkansas; son, Devon Sykes (Monica) of Morrilton, Arkansas; sister, Stephanie Rester (Ron) of Jackson, Mississippi; half-brothers: Terry Goodnight of Leander, Texas, Michael Goodnight of Tenaha, Texas, and Joshua Goodnight of Pineville, Louisiana; grandchildren: Charlee Beauvais, Hayden Beauvais, Braxton Adair, Pyper Beauvais, and Harper Adair.

The family has entrusted Wilson Funeral Home with the arrangements. A Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm until time of the service at 3:00 pm at Springs of Praise Church in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Bro. Darrel Blankenship will officiate the ceremony.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his family's Go Fund Me.

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