Mr. Stovall was born and reared in Madison County, the son of the late Jess and Pauline Murchison Stovall. He attended schools in Madison County and in 1940 was married to Juanita McKenzie of Chester County. They made their home in the South Side area of Jackson. He entered the U. S. Army in 1942 was served in Germany, Switzerland, and France. After the service Mr. Stovall worked as a representative for the Dr. Pepper Company for 51 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #332 and a member of the South Side Baptist Church.
He is survived by two sons James Franklin Stovall, Jr. of Dickson, TN and Dewey Gene Stovall of St. Augustine, TX. He has four grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita in 2000.