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It is often quoted that “we stand on the shoulders of giants.” There could be no greater example of this statement for Natchez and quite frankly the region than James Biglane, who we lost to heaven earlier this week.

Mr. Biglane was a pillar of this community, one that will never be replaced. His accomplishments in business, historic preservation, and philanthropy will truly live on for generations to come. His brilliance, his kindness, and his loyalty to his family, employees and friends will long be remembered.

One cannot properly pay tribute to Mr. Biglane’s memory without citing all he did to build Natchez through his work with United Mississippi Bank.  Founded in 1973 by James and his wife Nancy in a trailer in the heart of downtown on Pearl Street, United Mississippi Bank has been a bedrock institution for our region for over 50 years, serving thousands and employing hundreds over the years at its over 10 branches. Throughout the bank’s history, Mr. Biglane served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Biglane also founded the City of Natchez’s premier event, the Natchez Balloon Festival, when he decided to bring his love of ballooning home. Partnering with the Historic Natchez Foundation, the festival, then known as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, had its inaugural year in 1986 and has since been circled on the calendars of citizens and visitors alike on an annual basis.  Through this event and through actions both personally and through his business, Mr. Biglane became a champion for two things so important to Natchez: historic preservation and tourism. Through the efforts of James and Nancy, so many properties have been preserved over the years, and Silver Street, “Under the Hill,” would not be what it is today were it not for their efforts.

Mr. Biglane was a devoted citizen who served his city, his state, and his country. As a patriotic American, he served honorably in the United States Army, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. He was a major supporter of Alcorn State University, where he served on the Alcorn Foundation Board for over four decades, for much of that as Board President. He served many other civic organizations including the Mississippi Banker’s Association, the Santa Claus Committee, the Boy Scout SME Campaign Steering Committee, and Natchez Inc. among others.  He was the 2013 Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Natchezian of the Year. Most importantly he was a man of deep faith as a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Natchez.

Mr. Biglane’s time on this earth has now ended. He is now in the embrace of his Lord and Savior, hearing those words we all long to hear one day, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

We mourn his passing, and we pray for his loving wife Nancy, his son Denton, and his large and loving family and many friends. While we miss him, we still feel his presence. Take a walk by the former bakery that now houses United Mississippi Bank’s downtown Natchez branch. Dine or shop in the historic buildings Under the Hill and enjoy the views of our mighty river. Look across the river and imagine the hundreds of hot air balloons that have dotted the autumn sky over the years making their flights toward the festival grounds at Rosalie. Consider so many businesses and homes made possible by his many years of service to our city. James Michael Biglane’s legacy lives on.

He is the finest example of Natchez Strong – an inspiration we all should aspire to live up to. Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.