Ambrose James Giametta

Ambrose James (Jim) Giametta, a native of Bay St. Louis, MS was born August 29, 1944 and passed away August 27, 2025 in Frisco, TX.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Giametta, his mother Josephine Chiniche Giametta, and his elder brother Charles B. Giametta, and an elder half-sister Camella Giametta Kates.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Donna, with whom he shared a 60-year, well-lived and love-filled marriage; and by his son Chris Giametta, Chris’ wife Kristi, and their three children: Kaitlyn, Cole, and Kylee, who were the pride and joy of his heart. He will also be missed by his dear younger sister, Lucille Parker and her husband Leo, and his elder half-brother, Joe Giametta.

Growing up in Bay St. Louis, Jim attended Saint Stanislaus – first in the annex known as “the back school,” then in the main campus on the beach. After graduating from Bay High School, he attended Pearl River Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studied journalism and met Donna.

During Jim’s childhood and teenage years, he was a gregarious guy who loved the outdoors – from rescuing animals in distress, to catching fish and crabs, to hunting. He also loved sports and practical jokes. There were always plenty of cousins nearby, and he would share many fun times with them. Maybe because there were at least three Jimmy’s in the group, some used to call him “Giametta” to distinguish him from the others. That nickname stuck when as a teenager he first began working at the Sea Coast Echo – the start of a life-long career in journalism.

After a brief stint at the Hattiesburg American, his first full-time, professional journalism job was in Port Arthur, TX. Later he spent many years in Longview at the Longview News-Journal and became its Managing Editor. In that role, he inspired and mentored many reporters. In Longview, he was also very active in the community, including the Lions Club, coaching his son’s sports, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He left Longview to join the Tyler Morning Telegraph, bringing with him his straight-arrow integrity, love of investigative journalism, and commitment to and support for the journalists he managed. As Executive Editor, he was the face of the paper and well-known and respected in the community. During his long career, Jim engaged in so many interesting things – covering a Super Bowl from the sidelines in New Orleans, meeting Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office just after his inauguration, swapping fly-tying techniques with George W. Bush – just to name a few.

He found deep joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. An avid bass fisherman, he loved nothing more than being on the water, especially when he could share that passion with Cole—passing along not just techniques, but patience, stories, and time together. Few things made him prouder than watching Kaitlyn and Kylee play soccer; he adored cheering her on and never tired of recounting her games.

A skilled card player, he was known for his love of poker—winning tournaments along the way—and for countless hours spent playing cards with family, always mixing competition with laughter. His interests were many, including a carefully curated casino chip collection that reflected both his curiosity and attention to detail.

He and his beloved wife Donna shared a love of travel that took them across the world. From each journey, he returned with unforgettable stories, photos, and memories—always eager to relive the adventure through storytelling with family and friends.

Jim’s ashes will be interred at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the Italian Society tomb in St. Mary Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, MS.