James “Jim” Phillip Bomprezzi, Sr., former Mayor of Lakeland, as well as a Navy veteran, retired Memphis Police Lieutenant, and real estate professional, has passed away at the age of 87 according to his family. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 13, 1938, to Severino Phillip and Mary Tartera Bomprezzi, both deceased, Mr. Bomprezzi lived a life marked by service, dedication, and faith. A graduate of Memphis Catholic High School for Boys in 1956, he enlisted in the United States Navy the same year, serving four years of active duty across several locations including Oklahoma, California, and the Philippines.
Jim married his wife, the late Barbara Jean Knighten of Laurel, Mississippi, in 1957. The couple shared 68 years of marriage before Barbara’s passing in August 2025. Together, they raised three children: Connie Bomprezzi McCarter, who is a current Lakeland Commissioner, James P. Bomprezzi Jr. of Bartlett; and Deborah Jean Bomprezzi Carrigan of Bartlett. Jim and Barbara lived in Planation Hills Neighborhood on the corner of Pine Hill and Pheasant Hill Drive for many years, building one of the first homes in that neighborhood.
After his military service, Jim began a long career with the Memphis Police Department in 1960, where he served for over 28 years and retired as a Lieutenant in 1987. During this time, he also built a successful career in real estate, becoming a licensed Tennessee Real Estate Broker in 1976.
Mr. Bomprezzi’s commitment to public service extended to our local government, where he served as a City Commissioner for Lakeland from 1995 to 1997 and as Mayor from 1997 to 2001. Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman expressed condolences in a public statement, saying, “I extend my deepest condolences to Commissioner Connie McCarter and her family on the loss of her father and former City of Lakeland Mayor Jim Bomprezzi, Sr. Mr. Bomprezzi served our great city from 1997–2001. The City is grateful for his service and leadership to our community. Losing a loved one is never easy, and the entire Lakeland community stands with Commissioner McCarter during this time of grief.”
Funeral services will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Bartlett, Tennessee, with visitation on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, October 30, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by services at 10:00 a.m.
