James Troy "Nubbin" Herring passed away on December 29, 2025, in Columbus, Mississippi.

Nubbin was born February 4, 1950, in Greenwood, Mississippi to Ollie Mae and Benny Herring. In a story so Mississippi it cannot be made up, the nickname Nubbin was bestowed on him by a Delta farmer because he was as small as a "nubbin" of corn. This origin story given to a four-year-old boy in Schlater, Mississippi, was the first of many life experiences Nubbin used as fodder for the stories he loved to tell. It takes a true character to carry the nickname Nubbin with pride, and he certainly did.

Nubbin was the second of four children and graduated from Leflore County High School. After attending Mississippi State University, he completed his degree, and met his future wife at Delta State University, where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Nubbin married Maureen Harrison in 1974, and they welcomed their daughter Paige a few years later. Nubbin and Maureen lived several places including Atlanta, Jackson, MS, and Memphis, before settling into their gameday home full time in Starkville, Mississippi.

No matter where he lived, Nubbin's life was filled with music. Whether it was the meticulously curated playlists for the many parties and tailgates he and Maureen hosted, or the lazy Saturday afternoons spent at home with family, Motown was usually at full blast. Throw in a batch of Nubbin's homemade Bloody Mary's with whatever friends, and friends of friends, happened to drop by and there was the recipe of Nubbin's life.

No recount of his life would be complete without including his love for all things Mississippi State Bulldogs! A proud member of the Bulldog Club since 1974, he attended too many sporting events to list. Attending more than 50 Egg Bowls in a row and traveling to Omaha to see the Bulldogs win a National Championship were among his favorites. His least favorites, which mostly include heartbreaking Bulldog losses, made for some of his funniest and most memorable stories.

Nubbin had a varied career including working in banking, property management, and owning a restaurant. He spent more than 25 years in real estate site selection and a large chunk of that time was spent at AutoZone. In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Nubbin counted the numerous colleagues who became lifelong friends as the true highlight of his career.

Nubbin was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Ollie Mae Herring. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maureen; his daughter Paige Hunt (Andy); his grandson John Hunt; his siblings Benny Herring (Barbara Sue), Sherry Varon (Gus) and Betty Markham (Hal); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who are more like family. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the compassionate team of doctors and nurses who cared for him in his final days.

On Saturday, January 3, we will remember Nubbin with visitation from 11:00am – 1:00pm, followed by a service at 1:00pm, all at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Starkville Strong,109 South Lafayette, St, Starkville, MS 39759.