South MS Deputy killed in line of duty made ‘positive impact on everyone he met’
Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Jimerson had wanted to serve his community since he was a young man growing up in South Mississippi.
Jimerson, 61, began his law enforcement career in 2010 as a reserve deputy. His best friend, retired longtime sheriff’s deputy Curtis Spiers, encouraged him to apply for the position. “He loved it so much that he worked for free for four years,” Spiers said.
In 2014, Jimerson became a paid part-time deputy with the Sheriff’s Department.
Jimerson died in the line of duty after responding to a noise complaint late Wednesday night at the Reserve at Gulf Hills apartment complex on Washington Avenue.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case.
Authorities said the shooter, 27-year-old registered nurse Maley Elizabeth Ross, died in an exchange of gunfire with Jimerson. Ross was pronounced dead at the scene. Jimerson was transported to Ocean Springs Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:09 a.m. Thursday.
Spiers and others who knew Jimerson spent Thursday remembering him.
“He was a good man,” Spiers said. “He got into law enforcement for all the right reasons. He wanted to help people, and that’s what he did.”
By day, Jimerson worked full time at Sparklight Internet and Mobile. By night, he patrolled the streets of West Jackson County in uniform.
“He had the demeanor and personality suited for law enforcement,” Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve never received a single complaint about him,” Ledbetter said. “He had a positive impact on everyone he met. The community loved him, and so did everyone at the Sheriff’s Department who worked with him.”
When he wasn’t working, Jimerson spent time with family and friends, often boating and fishing.
“We had a spot on Horn Island where we always met,” Spiers said. “He called us the ‘Horn Island Republicans.’”
The group would cook, spend time together and enjoy the water.
But above all, Jimerson’s greatest loves were his wife, Sheila Simmons-Jimerson, and their two children, Michael Jimerson Jr. and Paige Powell. His son followed in his footsteps and became a law enforcement officer with the Pass Christian Police Department.
Pass Christian Police Chief Darren Freeman said he had known Jimerson since he was about 10 years old. “He was a great man,” Freeman said. “One of his favorite things was spending time with his family. He set the example for all of us as a family man.” Jimerson’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 10. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 4:31 PM.
